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Preview: Effective Defense, Aggression, and Forsberg’s Role in Game Two Success

The Los Angeles Kings are set to face the Edmonton Oilers in their second consecutive game on January 10, 2026. This matchup will occur at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, and will mark the first meeting between these Pacific Division rivals this season. The Kings are currently positioned with an overall record of 18-15-10, while the Oilers have a record of 22-16-6.

Matchup History and Team Statistics

Historically, the Kings have performed well against the Oilers during the regular season, winning three out of four encounters last year. However, they were eliminated by Edmonton in the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Notable performances from last season include Quinton Byfield, Warren Foegele, and Adrian Kempe, each of whom posted impressive stats against the Oilers. Foegele notably scored two goals and recorded three assists in the series.

  • Foegele: 2 goals, 3 assists against Edmonton.
  • Kempe: 1 goal, 4 assists.
  • Drew Doughty: Leading regular-season scorer against Edmonton with 43 points from 61 games.

Recent Performance

In their last game, the Kings suffered a 5-1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. This loss comes on the heels of a challenging stretch, with key players sidelined due to injuries. Although Trevor Moore remains on injured reserve, other forwards like Anze Kopitar and Joel Aremia will also miss this match. Cole Guttman has been recalled from the AHL to provide additional support.

Goalie Anton Forsberg is expected to start against the Oilers, having just played a period in relief during the previous game against Winnipeg. Forsberg has faced Edmonton five times in his career, holding a record of 1-3-1 and a .922 save percentage.

Oilers Overview

The Edmonton Oilers are looking resilient with their recent 4-3 comeback victory over Winnipeg, tying them for the top spot in the Pacific Division. Connor McDavid is leading the charge, currently on a 17-game point streak, which includes 18 goals and 41 points during this span.

  • Connor McDavid: 77 points (29 goals, 48 assists) this season.
  • Leon Draisaitl: 61 points (21 goals, 40 assists).

Defensive Strategies and Special Teams

The Kings will need a solid defensive strategy against Edmonton, particularly considering the Oilers’ potent offense, ranked fourth in the league. Special teams play will be a crucial factor, as the Oilers have turned their power play into a significant advantage this season, boasting a 34.2% success rate.

Both teams will be keen to limit penalties, as the Kings have been particularly undisciplined this season, averaging 3.5 minors per game. Staying out of the box is essential to avoid giving the Oilers opportunities to capitalize.

Key Players to Watch

  • Quinton Byfield: Scored in the last game, looking to build on recent performance.
  • Anton Forsberg: A crucial player for the Kings; his performance will be pivotal in the outcome.
  • Connor McDavid: The Oilers’ standout player, nearing 80 points this season.

As the Kings prepare for this intense matchup at Rogers Place, they aim to bounce back from recent challenges. The puck drops at 7 PM Pacific, and fans can follow the game on the FanDuel Sports Network or tune in on ESPN LA 710 AM.

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