In an intense playoff matchup, the Edmonton Oilers secured a crucial 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings, taking a 3-2 lead in their first-round series. Mattias Janmark netted the tiebreaking goal early in the third period, while Evander Kane and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins also contributed to the scoreline. Calvin Pickard, the Oilers' goaltender, made 20 saves, leading to their third consecutive win and putting them one game away from advancing to the next round.

Despite a promising start, the Kings faltered after winning the first two games at home. They managed to score first in Game 5 with Andrei Kuzmenko's power-play goal, but the Oilers dominated possession throughout the game, outshooting Los Angeles 79-34 from the third period of Game 4 onwards. The Kings’ inability to maintain leads proved costly, as the Oilers turned the tide with strong offensive pressure.

For many Koreans, the harmonica evokes nostalgia, linking them to their childhood memories in Korea. After years of immigration and hard work, Donna Lee, now 80, found joy again through a harmonica class at the Koreatown Senior Community Center in Los Angeles. The class, which practices the national anthem, received an incredible opportunity to perform at a Los Angeles Kings game, marking a significant cultural moment that united Korean Americans and mainstream audiences alike.

As they donned traditional hanbok during their performance, the group went viral, not only enhancing their visibility in the hockey community but also bridging cultural gaps. With a growing number of classes and community involvement, the center has become a vital space for older generations to connect and share their heritage through music, showcasing their talent on a larger stage and celebrating Korean culture with pride.

The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs are heating up as the first round nears its conclusion. Two teams are on the brink of elimination, with the Ottawa Senators facing a 3-1 deficit against the Toronto Maple Leafs, while the New Jersey Devils trail the Carolina Hurricanes by the same margin. The Senators avoided a sweep with an overtime win in Game 4, thanks to Jake Sanderson's first career playoff goal. Meanwhile, the Devils have outscored the Hurricanes at even strength but struggled on special teams, raising questions about their playoff viability.

In the Western Conference, both series are tied 2-2, setting the stage for pivotal Game 5s. The Vegas Golden Knights aim to break their OT playoff curse against the Minnesota Wild, while the Los Angeles Kings host the Edmonton Oilers, where both teams are jockeying for a crucial edge. Standout performances from stars like Leon Draisaitl and Adrian Kempe could dictate the outcomes in these tight matchups.

Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets, Darcy Kuemper of the Los Angeles Kings, and Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning have been named finalists for the prestigious Vezina Trophy for the 2024-25 season. This award is bestowed upon the league's best goaltender as voted by the 32 NHL general managers.

Hellebuyck, who previously won the award in 2020 and 2021, had a stellar season, achieving a career-high in wins (47), with eight shutouts, a .925 save percentage, and a 2.00 goals-against average (GAA). Kuemper, at age 34, bounced back with a record of 31-11-7, posting a .921 save percentage and a GAA of 2.02, while matching his personal best with five shutouts. Vasilevskiy, a former Vezina winner in 2019, contributed significantly with a 38-20-5 record, a .921 save percentage, a 2.18 GAA, and six shutouts.

Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets is on track to reclaim the Vezina Trophy, having been nominated alongside Darcy Kuemper and Andrei Vasilevskiy. Hellebuyck's stunning regular season featured 47 wins, 8 shutouts, a 2.00 goals-against average, and a .925 save percentage, leading the Jets to the league's best record. However, his performance has faltered in the playoffs, with 11 goals allowed in two games against the St. Louis Blues, tying their first-round series.

Darcy Kuemper, in his second season with the Los Angeles Kings, enjoyed a solid campaign as well, posting a 31-11-7 record. Meanwhile, Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning, a five-time finalist for the award, also had a commendable season with a 38-20-5 record, contributing to the Lightning’s postseason push. As playoff matchups intensify, all eyes will be on these goaltenders as they strive for excellence.