3 most impressive Edmonton Oilers players from Game 3’s 7-4 win over LA Kings feat. Evander Kane

The Edmonton Oilers pulled out a crucial win in Game 3 of their opening-round series against the LA Kings on Friday night, winning by a score of 7-4. The Oilers rallied from a 4-3 deficit in the third period to score four unanswered goals and notch their first win of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Evander Kane scored a huge game-tying goal for the Edmonton Oilers, with Evan Bouchard and Connor Brown getting two of their own. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins got the other goal for the Oilers. Meanwhile, Adrian Kempe, Kevin Fiala, Drew Doughty, and Trevor Moore scored for the Kings.

So, here’s a look at the three most impressive Edmonton Oilers players from their huge Game 3 win over the LA Kings.

3 most impressive Edmonton Oilers players from Game 3 win over LA Kings

#3 Evan Bouchard

Evan Bouchard rose to the occasion as the Edmonton Oilers’ top defenseman. He scored two goals on the night, including the critical go-ahead goal in the third period, 10 seconds after Evander Kane tied the game.

The goal was a power play marker after the Kings took a penalty on a failed challenge. Bouchard wasted no time in redirecting a nifty pass from Leon Draisaitl past Darcy Kuemper for the goal.

Bouchard ended the night with two goals while getting four shots on goal in 20:44 of ice time across 28 shifts.

#2 Connor McDavid

Connor McDavid had a typical night at the office. He ended the game with three points (1G, 2A), leading the offensive charge for the Oilers.

The goal was possible thanks to a tremendous play by McDavid behind the net. He dished the puck to Zach Hyman as he was being taken down. Hyman then found an open Nugent-Hopkins, who did not miss the shot.

Overall, McDavid was a force for the Edmonton Oilers. His leadership allowed the Oilers to take control of the game when the Kings seemed to have them by the throat.

#1 Evander Kane

Evander Kane missed the entire regular season due to injury. But he came back in the playoffs ready to prove he’s a difference-maker.

He certainly proved it in Game 3, scoring a huge, but largely controversial, game-tying goal. Here’s a look:

The scramble in front of the Kings’ net led to Kane kicking the puck up to his stick and then whacking it into the back of the net.

The Kings unsuccessfully challenged the goal, leading to the power play that would lead to Bouchard’s go-ahead goal.

Kane ended the night with two points while playing 13:07 over 19 shifts and getting four shots on goal. Kane looks fully healthy and poised to play a big role for the Oilers throughout the playoffs.

About the author

Nestor is an NHL and MLB writer at Sportskeeda with over 10 years of experience. Growing up in Toronto, he became an avid Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan, but also admires the New York Islanders and Los Angeles Dodgers for their dominance in the 80s. Holding an Economics and Education major, Nestor’s passion for writing and sporting events led him to take up reporting about the sport professionally.

Nestor credits the Leafs’ playoff runs in the early '90s as having a lasting impact on him. His favorite players are Doug Gilmour and Mike Bossy, as he feels they were tough, talented leaders, while Pat Burns is his favorite coach of all time for always preaching a fast-paced game.

Growing up in Canada, it was natural for Nestor to become interested in ice hockey and he played Minor Hockey as a teenager, which has given him a unique perspective on the sport. Nestor has mastered the art of how to best present facts and he also has a knack for knowing which sources can be trusted, and which can't for stories.

When he is not writing about Canada’s national passion, Nestor enjoys running and hiking.

Know More