Good morning, everyone, and a happy Monday to all of you. I&#8217;ve got a fresh mailbag ready to go after taking your questions and sending them to the crew for their take on whatever is on your mind. This week, we&#8217;re discussing the Oilers and Kings, Evander Kane&#8217;s return, the special teams, and more. If you’ve got a question you’d like to ask, email it to me at <a class="text-accent" href="mailto:baggedmilk@oilersnation.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">baggedmilk@oilersnation.com</a> or on Twitter at <a class="text-accent" href="https://www.twitter.com/jsbmbaggedmilk" rel="noopener noreferrer">@jsbmbaggedmilk</a>, and I’ll get to you as soon as I can.

<figure id="attachment_173920" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-173920" style="width: 873px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-173920 " src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/USATSI_26000129-1024x682.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Evander Kane" width="873" height="582" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/USATSI_26000129-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/USATSI_26000129-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/USATSI_26000129-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/USATSI_26000129-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/USATSI_26000129-2048x1364.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 873px) 100vw, 873px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-173920" class="wp-caption-text">Apr 23, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Edmonton Oilers left wing Evander Kane (91) and Los Angeles Kings defenseman Jordan Spence (21) battle along the boards in the first period of game 2 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
1) Tristan asks &#8211; What has everyone thought of Evander Kane&#8217;s return to the lineup after missing the entire season with varying injuries?
Jason Gregor:
He looked rusty in his first game, which is understandable, but he&#8217;s been good since. Had a huge impact in Game 3, has been consistently physical and now we&#8217;ll see how his conditioning is the more games he plays.
Liam Horrobin:
Couldn&#8217;t ask for more from him. A series-changing goal on Friday night and then chipping in with the physicality is what he&#8217;s brought to the lineup. It&#8217;s all about staying consistent now.
Baggedmilk:
I thought he&#8217;s gotten better with each passing game, and looking more like himself with each shift. That&#8217;s important for the Oilers given how impactful he can be on the ice. As always, Kane has been engaged physically, gets to the greasy areas on the ice, and has already chipped in with a big goal (and penalty) at a point of Game 3 when the team needed it most.
<figure id="attachment_173891" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-173891" style="width: 884px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-173891 " src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Los-Angeles-Kings-Drew-Doughty-celebrates-goal-Edmonton-Oilers-1024x683.jpg" alt="Los Angeles Kings Drew Doughty celebrates goal Edmonton Oilers" width="884" height="590" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Los-Angeles-Kings-Drew-Doughty-celebrates-goal-Edmonton-Oilers-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Los-Angeles-Kings-Drew-Doughty-celebrates-goal-Edmonton-Oilers-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Los-Angeles-Kings-Drew-Doughty-celebrates-goal-Edmonton-Oilers-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Los-Angeles-Kings-Drew-Doughty-celebrates-goal-Edmonton-Oilers-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Los-Angeles-Kings-Drew-Doughty-celebrates-goal-Edmonton-Oilers-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 884px) 100vw, 884px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-173891" class="wp-caption-text">Apr 23, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (8) celebrates after a goal by center Anze Kopitar (11), not pictured, in the third period of game 2 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
2) Blake asks &#8211; The Oilers&#8217; penalty kill has been putrid in this series. What needs to change? How can they fix it?
Jason Gregor:
It was beyond awful the first two games. I thought in Game 3 they were much better, and even though LA scored late in both power plays, the PK looked like it was finding some rhythm. They killed more as a unit the two games in Edmonton and significantly lowered the shots on goal. They allowed 20 in the two games in LA on 10 attempts but only allowed five in Edmonton on five kills. A huge improvement.
Liam Horrobin:
More pressure on the zone entries and giving the Kings less time with the puck. LA has all the time in the world to make plays.
Baggedmilk:
Man, I wish I knew the answer to this question. They&#8217;ve been so bad on the PK to start the series that all I can hope for is that they keep the game at even strength. Most troubling, though, has to be the way the boys are unable to clear the zone when they have a chance. The Kings are playing an extremely aggressive style on the PP, and the Oilers need to find a way to deal with that more effectively.
<figure id="attachment_174021" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-174021" style="width: 821px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-174021 " src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Edmonton-Oilers-celebrate-Ryan-Nugent-Hopkins-goal-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers celebrate Ryan Nugent-Hopkins goal" width="821" height="548" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Edmonton-Oilers-celebrate-Ryan-Nugent-Hopkins-goal-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Edmonton-Oilers-celebrate-Ryan-Nugent-Hopkins-goal-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Edmonton-Oilers-celebrate-Ryan-Nugent-Hopkins-goal-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Edmonton-Oilers-celebrate-Ryan-Nugent-Hopkins-goal-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Edmonton-Oilers-celebrate-Ryan-Nugent-Hopkins-goal-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 821px) 100vw, 821px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-174021" class="wp-caption-text">Apr 25, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; The Edmonton Oilers celebrate a goal scored by forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) against the Los Angeles Kings in game three of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
3) Oilers fan in Van asks &#8211; What has been the biggest surprise, good or bad, in the first handful of games of Round 4 against the Kings?
Jason Gregor:
How bad the PK was early on was a big one. The most positive surprise is how Corey Perry continues to produce and be a major influence on the game.
Liam Horrobin:
The biggest surprise, which is also bad, is how disorganized the Oilers have looked in the defensive zone. They&#8217;re a team that&#8217;s experienced and has a coach who prides himself on defence, yet somehow, they&#8217;ve been dreadful. As for the good, Kane is coming back and hitting his stride right away.
Baggedmilk:
The special teams. In the first three series, special teams were a strength for Edmonton — the PK specifically — but that has not been the case early in Round 4.
<figure id="attachment_170462" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-170462" style="width: 856px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-170462 " src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/USATSI_25494214-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Jeff Skinner" width="856" height="571" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/USATSI_25494214-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/USATSI_25494214-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/USATSI_25494214-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/USATSI_25494214-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/USATSI_25494214-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 856px) 100vw, 856px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-170462" class="wp-caption-text">Feb 23, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Jeff Skinner (53) skates with the puck as Washington Capitals center Ethen Frank (53) chases in the first period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
4) Trish asks &#8211; Kris Knoblauch has had Jeff Skinner on a short leash all season, but what does he have to do differently to be considered an everyday player in the playoffs?
Jason Gregor:
I don&#8217;t see his style fitting into what Knoblauch wants. Skinner will get back in the lineup when there is an injury, but otherwise I don&#8217;t see anyone he would replace and add more.
Liam Horrobin:
Jeff Skinner needs to play in the top six to have success. The problem is there is now no room in the top six. So, if he is in the lineup, he can&#8217;t be a defensive liability. Unfortunately for him, he was on the ice for three goals against in Game 1, which resulted in his being benched. The NHL is a cruel world, but the Oilers need to focus on winning games now and not worry about getting Skinner going.
Baggedmilk:
It&#8217;s been the same kind of thing all season with Skinner, hasn&#8217;t it? I&#8217;m guessing that Knoblauch saw him being -3 in Game 1 and having enough of the defensive inefficiencies. If Skinner isn&#8217;t producing offensively, he struggles to make an impact on the game like a Kane can do with his physicality. Even if Evander Kane isn&#8217;t scoring, he&#8217;s going to mix it up in one way or another, and I&#8217;d bet that&#8217;s the difference in Knoblauch&#8217;s mind.
<figure id="attachment_172809" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-172809" style="width: 874px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-172809 " src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/USATSI_25857856-1024x835.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Trent Frederic Los Angeles Kings" width="874" height="712" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/USATSI_25857856-1024x835.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/USATSI_25857856-300x245.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/USATSI_25857856-768x626.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/USATSI_25857856-1536x1252.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/USATSI_25857856-2048x1670.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 874px) 100vw, 874px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-172809" class="wp-caption-text">Apr 5, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Trent Frederic (21) and Los Angeles Kings left wing Kevin Fiala (22) grapple in front of the Los Angeles Kings net during the first quarter at Crypto.com Arena.</figcaption></figure>
5) Yves asks &#8211; Is Trent Frederic doing enough with his limited minutes to stay in the lineup over Jeff Skinner? He&#8217;s clearly still battling that ankle injury and I wonder if we&#8217;re icing the best possible lineup.
Jason Gregor:
He plays a completely different style, but Frederic has gotten better each game. He is getting used to skating and turning with his skate taped tightly. He created some quality chances in Game 4, but the biggest difference in their game is that Frederic can be physical, and with LA relying heavily on four D-men, the need to hit them and wear them down is key. I think we saw that unfold in overtime, as the Kings were a step behind.
Liam Horrobin:
<div dir="ltr">
<div>Yes, because he&#8217;ll bring a physical presence that Skinner won&#8217;t. His style is capable of playing a 4th-line role, even if limited, while Skinner isn&#8217;t suited for that.</div>
</div>
Baggedmilk:
Frederic&#8217;s TOI has gone up with every game he&#8217;s played, so that ankle must be starting to feel a little bit better. Much like my answer for the Skinner question above, I think Frederic brings more variables to the table even when he&#8217;s not scoring.
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Good morning, everyone, and a happy Monday to all of you. I've got a fresh mailbag ready to go after taking your questions and sending them to the crew for their take on whatever is on your mind. This week, we're discussing the Oilers and Kings, Evander Kane's return, the special teams, and more. If you’ve got a question you’d like to ask, email it to me at <a class="text-accent" href="mailto:baggedmilk@oilersnation.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">baggedmilk@oilersnation.com</a> or on Twitter at <a class="text-accent" href="https://www.twitter.com/jsbmbaggedmilk" rel="noopener noreferrer">@jsbmbaggedmilk</a>, and I’ll get to you as soon as I can.



[caption id="attachment_173920" align="aligncenter" width="873"]<img class="wp-image-173920 " src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/USATSI_26000129-1024x682.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Evander Kane" width="873" height="582" /> Apr 23, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Edmonton Oilers left wing Evander Kane (91) and Los Angeles Kings defenseman Jordan Spence (21) battle along the boards in the first period of game 2 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images[/caption]

1) Tristan asks - What has everyone thought of Evander Kane's return to the lineup after missing the entire season with varying injuries?

Jason Gregor:

He looked rusty in his first game, which is understandable, but he's been good since. Had a huge impact in Game 3, has been consistently physical and now we'll see how his conditioning is the more games he plays.

Liam Horrobin:

Couldn't ask for more from him. A series-changing goal on Friday night and then chipping in with the physicality is what he's brought to the lineup. It's all about staying consistent now.

Baggedmilk:

I thought he's gotten better with each passing game, and looking more like himself with each shift. That's important for the Oilers given how impactful he can be on the ice. As always, Kane has been engaged physically, gets to the greasy areas on the ice, and has already chipped in with a big goal (and penalty) at a point of Game 3 when the team needed it most.

[caption id="attachment_173891" align="aligncenter" width="884"]<img class="wp-image-173891 " src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Los-Angeles-Kings-Drew-Doughty-celebrates-goal-Edmonton-Oilers-1024x683.jpg" alt="Los Angeles Kings Drew Doughty celebrates goal Edmonton Oilers" width="884" height="590" /> Apr 23, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (8) celebrates after a goal by center Anze Kopitar (11), not pictured, in the third period of game 2 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images[/caption]

2) Blake asks - The Oilers' penalty kill has been putrid in this series. What needs to change? How can they fix it?

Jason Gregor:

It was beyond awful the first two games. I thought in Game 3 they were much better, and even though LA scored late in both power plays, the PK looked like it was finding some rhythm. They killed more as a unit the two games in Edmonton and significantly lowered the shots on goal. They allowed 20 in the two games in LA on 10 attempts but only allowed five in Edmonton on five kills. A huge improvement.

Liam Horrobin:

More pressure on the zone entries and giving the Kings less time with the puck. LA has all the time in the world to make plays.

Baggedmilk:

Man, I wish I knew the answer to this question. They've been so bad on the PK to start the series that all I can hope for is that they keep the game at even strength. Most troubling, though, has to be the way the boys are unable to clear the zone when they have a chance. The Kings are playing an extremely aggressive style on the PP, and the Oilers need to find a way to deal with that more effectively.

[caption id="attachment_174021" align="aligncenter" width="821"]<img class="wp-image-174021 " src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Edmonton-Oilers-celebrate-Ryan-Nugent-Hopkins-goal-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers celebrate Ryan Nugent-Hopkins goal" width="821" height="548" /> Apr 25, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; The Edmonton Oilers celebrate a goal scored by forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) against the Los Angeles Kings in game three of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images[/caption]

3) Oilers fan in Van asks - What has been the biggest surprise, good or bad, in the first handful of games of Round 4 against the Kings?

Jason Gregor:

How bad the PK was early on was a big one. The most positive surprise is how Corey Perry continues to produce and be a major influence on the game.

Liam Horrobin:

The biggest surprise, which is also bad, is how disorganized the Oilers have looked in the defensive zone. They're a team that's experienced and has a coach who prides himself on defence, yet somehow, they've been dreadful. As for the good, Kane is coming back and hitting his stride right away.

Baggedmilk:

The special teams. In the first three series, special teams were a strength for Edmonton — the PK specifically — but that has not been the case early in Round 4.

[caption id="attachment_170462" align="aligncenter" width="856"]<img class="wp-image-170462 " src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/USATSI_25494214-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Jeff Skinner" width="856" height="571" /> Feb 23, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Jeff Skinner (53) skates with the puck as Washington Capitals center Ethen Frank (53) chases in the first period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images[/caption]

4) Trish asks - Kris Knoblauch has had Jeff Skinner on a short leash all season, but what does he have to do differently to be considered an everyday player in the playoffs?

Jason Gregor:

I don't see his style fitting into what Knoblauch wants. Skinner will get back in the lineup when there is an injury, but otherwise I don't see anyone he would replace and add more.

Liam Horrobin:

Jeff Skinner needs to play in the top six to have success. The problem is there is now no room in the top six. So, if he is in the lineup, he can't be a defensive liability. Unfortunately for him, he was on the ice for three goals against in Game 1, which resulted in his being benched. The NHL is a cruel world, but the Oilers need to focus on winning games now and not worry about getting Skinner going.

Baggedmilk:

It's been the same kind of thing all season with Skinner, hasn't it? I'm guessing that Knoblauch saw him being -3 in Game 1 and having enough of the defensive inefficiencies. If Skinner isn't producing offensively, he struggles to make an impact on the game like a Kane can do with his physicality. Even if Evander Kane isn't scoring, he's going to mix it up in one way or another, and I'd bet that's the difference in Knoblauch's mind.

[caption id="attachment_172809" align="aligncenter" width="874"]<img class="wp-image-172809 " src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/USATSI_25857856-1024x835.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Trent Frederic Los Angeles Kings" width="874" height="712" /> Apr 5, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Trent Frederic (21) and Los Angeles Kings left wing Kevin Fiala (22) grapple in front of the Los Angeles Kings net during the first quarter at Crypto.com Arena.[/caption]

5) Yves asks - Is Trent Frederic doing enough with his limited minutes to stay in the lineup over Jeff Skinner? He's clearly still battling that ankle injury and I wonder if we're icing the best possible lineup.

Jason Gregor:

He plays a completely different style, but Frederic has gotten better each game. He is getting used to skating and turning with his skate taped tightly. He created some quality chances in Game 4, but the biggest difference in their game is that Frederic can be physical, and with LA relying heavily on four D-men, the need to hit them and wear them down is key. I think we saw that unfold in overtime, as the Kings were a step behind.

Liam Horrobin:
<div dir="ltr">
<div>Yes, because he'll bring a physical presence that Skinner won't. His style is capable of playing a 4th-line role, even if limited, while Skinner isn't suited for that.</div>
</div>
Baggedmilk:

Frederic's TOI has gone up with every game he's played, so that ankle must be starting to feel a little bit better. Much like my answer for the Skinner question above, I think Frederic brings more variables to the table even when he's not scoring.
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