<p>Let&#8217;s be honest: <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/depth-scoring-connor-brown-edmonton-oilers-eliminate-los-angeles-kings-playoffs">Game 6</a> wasn&#8217;t exactly a masterpiece from the Edmonton Oilers.</p>
<p>Don&#8217;t agree? Just listen again to their <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/oilers-improved-against-kings-first-round-series">post-game comments</a>. How many times did you hear, &#8220;This wasn&#8217;t our best game&#8221;?</p>
<p>Yet here&#8217;s the truth — the Oilers don&#8217;t care about style points.</p>
<p>Closing out a series is always tough. The Kings made sure of that. And the Oilers battled through, leaning heavily on Calvin Pickard&#8217;s Doug Favell-inspired flip-and-flop style in net.</p>
<p>What can the Oilers take away from this game? Not much, but there are still a few intriguing nuggets worth reviewing.</p>
<p>Let&#8217;s go to the tape.</p>
<p></p>
<h1>What Caught My Eye?</h1>
<h2>The Oilers Have A Third Line!</h2>
<p>Moving into the next series, some questions remain regarding the decision to pair <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/oilers-leon-draisaitl-finalist-2025-hart-trophy-kucherov-hellebuyck">Leon Draisaitl</a> and Connor McDavid together. However, one thing that&#8217;s no longer in doubt is the strength of Edmonton&#8217;s forward depth, particularly thanks to a newly formed third line. Adam Henrique, whose effectiveness at center I&#8217;ve previously questioned, was outstanding alongside Connor Brown and Trent Frederic. This trio came together midway through Game 4 and was remarkable in the final three matchups.</p>
<p>Over the full series, the Henrique-Brown-Frederic line delivered a 2-1 goal differential at 5v5, with a dominant expected goals percentage of 71 percent. Tonight alone, their expected goals rate climbed even higher to 73 percent, and they contributed directly to two goals while surrendering none.</p>
<p>Their first goal this evening perfectly illustrates the benefits of aggressively driving the net and creating chaos. Take a look at this clip: Henrique and Frederic rush toward the crease, drawing all five Kings defenders inward. As the puck cycles around to Connor Brown, four Kings immediately collapse on him, leaving two Oilers open near the net. At that point, unless Kuemper made a perfect, clean save, any shot directed on goal was bound to create danger. In this instance, a fortunate bounce favoured Edmonton, rewarding their relentless net-front effort.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="EDM LAK GM6 EDM G1" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nTHx9sIRLZg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>Even more impressive than the opening goal was the matchup strategy Coach Kris Knoblauch employed throughout the night. He consistently deployed the Henrique line head-to-head against Kopitar&#8217;s line, a critical decision that paid off tremendously.</p>
<p>Henrique&#8217;s trio didn&#8217;t just contain Kopitar, they completely dominated, limiting them to an expected goals percentage of just four percent. Yes, you read that correctly: only four percent!</p>
<p>Not only did Henrique&#8217;s line shut down the Kings&#8217; top unit defensively, but they also contributed two pivotal goals against them. Edmonton&#8217;s second goal was reminiscent of how the Kings exploited the Oilers in previous meetings with swift transitions and quick counters.</p>
<p>Watch closely as Henrique and Frederic swiftly exit the zone, leaving Kings players trailing behind. Frederic finishes the play by out-skating a clearly exhausted Adrian Kempe, highlighting the Oilers&#8217; decisive edge in speed and execution.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="EDM LAK GM6 EDM G5" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/syjOtK9CtwM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>This is a major development for the Oilers. If this line can play against a top line in the series against the Vegas Golden Knights and outscore them, Edmonton&#8217;s forward depth becomes a looming threat to the opposition.</p>
<h2>Mr. Nurse&#8217;s Wild Ride</h2>
<p>There used to be an attraction at Disneyland called Mr. Toad&#8217;s Wild Ride. It was a thrilling mini-roller coaster packed with sudden, sharp twists that left riders breathless and exhilarated. Last night, the hockey equivalent of this ride belonged squarely to Darnell Nurse.</p>
<p>Right from puck drop, Nurse&#8217;s game was a roller coaster of dramatic ups and downs. It began on a rough note, as the Kings&#8217; opening goal came off a disastrous defensive breakdown from the Oilers&#8217; top line, with all three forwards caught flat-footed and too deep in the offensive zone.</p>
<p>Los Angeles sliced easily through Edmonton&#8217;s weak forecheck, pushing Nurse into a critical defensive decision. Instead of anchoring the middle, the most dangerous area of the ice and a defensive must, Nurse gambled aggressively and lost big.</p>
<p>Just like Mr. Toad&#8217;s Wild Ride, Nurse&#8217;s bold moves were unexpected, risky, and ultimately costly.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="EDM LAK GM6 LAK G1" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ms2qmE5TERY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>The risky play continued for Nurse later. Watch this play, which came off a nice faceoff win by the Oilers. Again, Nurse abandons the middle of the ice. This is even more egregious when you see there is a Kings player behind him. It leads to a break against and a nice save by Calvin Pickard.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="EDM LAK G6 EDM Rush D" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eRgTpwzVFbc?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>Then the ride went another direction. Nurse scored the game winner in a brilliant play. One that he made all night. This attack starts as a relatively benign 3v3 for the Oilers. However, Darnell Nurse took off from his net front and literally made this an odd man rush himself we a great defensive activation. Great play by Janmark to let the puck go. Wonderful shot by Nurse.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="EDM LAK GM6 EDM G4" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_gaXsf4WUM4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>In the end, the Nurse stat line is crazy. Two goals for and three goals against. However, when Nurse was on the ice, the shots were 13-6 for the Oilers and the high danger chances were 8-2 for the Oilers. Nurse also had an expected goals for rating of 62.3 percent.</p>
<p>He really ended up being the Oilers&#8217; best defensman in the close-out game.</p>
<h1>Series Thoughts</h1>
<p>Moving forward, the big question remains whether Draisaitl and McDavid will continue playing together.<br />
Edmonton has clearly established depth, notably with a solid third line and an effective fourth line featuring Janmark, Arvidsson, and Podkolzin. This fourth line delivered impressive results with an expected goals-for percentage of 51 percent and an actual goal differential of 2-0. Notably, they logged significant ice time against both the Byfield and Kopitar lines, managing a combined 2-1 goal advantage.</p>
<p>If Edmonton can confidently deploy this line on the road against any of Vegas&#8217; lines, it will be an encouraging sign heading into the next series.</p>
<p><a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/john-klingberg-playoff-history-clutch-moments">John Klingberg</a> has emerged as a standout, posting an exceptional 64 percent expected goals-for and a 4-1 actual goal differential. His pairing with Jake Walman proved highly effective throughout the series, despite Walman&#8217;s struggles in the last game. Additionally, Klingberg&#8217;s performance alongside Darnell Nurse in Game 6 was particularly strong, making it worthwhile to seriously consider keeping them together moving forward. This adjustment would then allow Bouchard to pair up with either Kulak or Walman. Personally, I favour Kulak based on his outstanding recent play, though either partner would be a solid choice.</p>
<p>As for goaltending, I remain convinced the Oilers will still need Stuart Skinner in net. This isn&#8217;t meant as criticism of Calvin Pickard, whose competitive spirit clearly energizes the team. However, he allowed a questionable goal last night that might have warranted pulling him from the game. Meanwhile, although Adin Hill wasn&#8217;t at his best during the Minnesota series, he&#8217;s still a highly capable goaltender. Ultimately, Skinner is likely to play a significant role in the upcoming matchup.</p>
<p>That&#8217;s a wrap for this tactical review of Game 6. We&#8217;ll be back this weekend with an in-depth tactical preview of the Oilers&#8217; upcoming series against the Vegas Golden Knights.</p>
<p>Enjoy these days off. Buckle up, because more thrilling hockey action awaits!</p>
<hr />
<h2>Presented by <a href="http://GarageSuperstore.ca">Garage Superstore</a></h2>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-173723" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2099/02/GSS_LOGO-3000x1500-1.png" alt="" width="3000" height="1500" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2099/02/GSS_LOGO-3000x1500-1.png 3000w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2099/02/GSS_LOGO-3000x1500-1-300x150.png 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2099/02/GSS_LOGO-3000x1500-1-1024x512.png 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2099/02/GSS_LOGO-3000x1500-1-768x384.png 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2099/02/GSS_LOGO-3000x1500-1-1536x768.png 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2099/02/GSS_LOGO-3000x1500-1-2048x1024.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 3000px) 100vw, 3000px" /></p>
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Let's be honest: <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/depth-scoring-connor-brown-edmonton-oilers-eliminate-los-angeles-kings-playoffs">Game 6</a> wasn't exactly a masterpiece from the Edmonton Oilers.

Don't agree? Just listen again to their <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/oilers-improved-against-kings-first-round-series">post-game comments</a>. How many times did you hear, "This wasn't our best game"?

Yet here's the truth — the Oilers don't care about style points.

Closing out a series is always tough. The Kings made sure of that. And the Oilers battled through, leaning heavily on Calvin Pickard's Doug Favell-inspired flip-and-flop style in net.

What can the Oilers take away from this game? Not much, but there are still a few intriguing nuggets worth reviewing.

Let's go to the tape.


<h1>What Caught My Eye?</h1>
<h2>The Oilers Have A Third Line!</h2>
Moving into the next series, some questions remain regarding the decision to pair <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/oilers-leon-draisaitl-finalist-2025-hart-trophy-kucherov-hellebuyck">Leon Draisaitl</a> and Connor McDavid together. However, one thing that's no longer in doubt is the strength of Edmonton's forward depth, particularly thanks to a newly formed third line. Adam Henrique, whose effectiveness at center I've previously questioned, was outstanding alongside Connor Brown and Trent Frederic. This trio came together midway through Game 4 and was remarkable in the final three matchups.

Over the full series, the Henrique-Brown-Frederic line delivered a 2-1 goal differential at 5v5, with a dominant expected goals percentage of 71 percent. Tonight alone, their expected goals rate climbed even higher to 73 percent, and they contributed directly to two goals while surrendering none.

Their first goal this evening perfectly illustrates the benefits of aggressively driving the net and creating chaos. Take a look at this clip: Henrique and Frederic rush toward the crease, drawing all five Kings defenders inward. As the puck cycles around to Connor Brown, four Kings immediately collapse on him, leaving two Oilers open near the net. At that point, unless Kuemper made a perfect, clean save, any shot directed on goal was bound to create danger. In this instance, a fortunate bounce favoured Edmonton, rewarding their relentless net-front effort.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTHx9sIRLZg

Even more impressive than the opening goal was the matchup strategy Coach Kris Knoblauch employed throughout the night. He consistently deployed the Henrique line head-to-head against Kopitar's line, a critical decision that paid off tremendously.

Henrique's trio didn't just contain Kopitar, they completely dominated, limiting them to an expected goals percentage of just four percent. Yes, you read that correctly: only four percent!

Not only did Henrique's line shut down the Kings' top unit defensively, but they also contributed two pivotal goals against them. Edmonton's second goal was reminiscent of how the Kings exploited the Oilers in previous meetings with swift transitions and quick counters.

Watch closely as Henrique and Frederic swiftly exit the zone, leaving Kings players trailing behind. Frederic finishes the play by out-skating a clearly exhausted Adrian Kempe, highlighting the Oilers' decisive edge in speed and execution.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syjOtK9CtwM

This is a major development for the Oilers. If this line can play against a top line in the series against the Vegas Golden Knights and outscore them, Edmonton's forward depth becomes a looming threat to the opposition.
<h2>Mr. Nurse's Wild Ride</h2>
There used to be an attraction at Disneyland called Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. It was a thrilling mini-roller coaster packed with sudden, sharp twists that left riders breathless and exhilarated. Last night, the hockey equivalent of this ride belonged squarely to Darnell Nurse.

Right from puck drop, Nurse's game was a roller coaster of dramatic ups and downs. It began on a rough note, as the Kings' opening goal came off a disastrous defensive breakdown from the Oilers' top line, with all three forwards caught flat-footed and too deep in the offensive zone.

Los Angeles sliced easily through Edmonton's weak forecheck, pushing Nurse into a critical defensive decision. Instead of anchoring the middle, the most dangerous area of the ice and a defensive must, Nurse gambled aggressively and lost big.

Just like Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Nurse's bold moves were unexpected, risky, and ultimately costly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ms2qmE5TERY

The risky play continued for Nurse later. Watch this play, which came off a nice faceoff win by the Oilers. Again, Nurse abandons the middle of the ice. This is even more egregious when you see there is a Kings player behind him. It leads to a break against and a nice save by Calvin Pickard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRgTpwzVFbc

Then the ride went another direction. Nurse scored the game winner in a brilliant play. One that he made all night. This attack starts as a relatively benign 3v3 for the Oilers. However, Darnell Nurse took off from his net front and literally made this an odd man rush himself we a great defensive activation. Great play by Janmark to let the puck go. Wonderful shot by Nurse.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gaXsf4WUM4

In the end, the Nurse stat line is crazy. Two goals for and three goals against. However, when Nurse was on the ice, the shots were 13-6 for the Oilers and the high danger chances were 8-2 for the Oilers. Nurse also had an expected goals for rating of 62.3 percent.

He really ended up being the Oilers' best defensman in the close-out game.
<h1>Series Thoughts</h1>
Moving forward, the big question remains whether Draisaitl and McDavid will continue playing together.
Edmonton has clearly established depth, notably with a solid third line and an effective fourth line featuring Janmark, Arvidsson, and Podkolzin. This fourth line delivered impressive results with an expected goals-for percentage of 51 percent and an actual goal differential of 2-0. Notably, they logged significant ice time against both the Byfield and Kopitar lines, managing a combined 2-1 goal advantage.

If Edmonton can confidently deploy this line on the road against any of Vegas' lines, it will be an encouraging sign heading into the next series.

<a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/john-klingberg-playoff-history-clutch-moments">John Klingberg</a> has emerged as a standout, posting an exceptional 64 percent expected goals-for and a 4-1 actual goal differential. His pairing with Jake Walman proved highly effective throughout the series, despite Walman's struggles in the last game. Additionally, Klingberg's performance alongside Darnell Nurse in Game 6 was particularly strong, making it worthwhile to seriously consider keeping them together moving forward. This adjustment would then allow Bouchard to pair up with either Kulak or Walman. Personally, I favour Kulak based on his outstanding recent play, though either partner would be a solid choice.

As for goaltending, I remain convinced the Oilers will still need Stuart Skinner in net. This isn't meant as criticism of Calvin Pickard, whose competitive spirit clearly energizes the team. However, he allowed a questionable goal last night that might have warranted pulling him from the game. Meanwhile, although Adin Hill wasn't at his best during the Minnesota series, he's still a highly capable goaltender. Ultimately, Skinner is likely to play a significant role in the upcoming matchup.

That's a wrap for this tactical review of Game 6. We'll be back this weekend with an in-depth tactical preview of the Oilers' upcoming series against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Enjoy these days off. Buckle up, because more thrilling hockey action awaits!

<hr />

<h2>Presented by <a href="http://GarageSuperstore.ca">Garage Superstore</a></h2>
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-173723" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2099/02/GSS_LOGO-3000x1500-1.png" alt="" width="3000" height="1500" />

Your Dream Garage Starts Here. Step into Canada’s largest garage showroom—Garage Superstore by Premier Built Garages in Edmonton! From custom cabinets and Polyaspartic floor coatings, to vehicle lifts, storage solutions, and Traeger Grills — we’ve got it all. Whatever your garage goals are, our expert team is ready to help you bring them to life. Free Estimates. Locally owned &amp; proudly Canadian. Visit <a href="http://GarageSuperstore.ca">GarageSuperstore.ca</a> or come check out our 8,000 sq ft showroom today!

Oilers vs. Kings – Game 6: A Tactical Review

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