Sat Apr 26 04:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Kings’ Kuemper Aims to Break First-Round Curse Against Oilers

**LOS ANGELES –** The Los Angeles Kings enter their first-round playoff matchup against the Edmonton Oilers with renewed hope, thanks in large part to goaltender Darcy Kuemper. Kuemper is the fourth different starting goalie the Kings have faced against the Oilers in the opening round over the past four seasons, but his stellar regular season performance gives Los Angeles their best chance yet to advance past the first round.

Kuemper posted a career-best 2.02 goals-against average and .922 save percentage this season, leading a Kings team that finished four points ahead of Edmonton in the Pacific Division. This marks the first time the Kings have held home-ice advantage in this recurring first-round clash.

Previous Kings netminders Jonathan Quick (2022), Joonas Korpisalo (2023), and Cam Talbot (2024) all fell short against Edmonton, losing in seven, six, and five games respectively. However, Kuemper’s experience winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022, coupled with his strong regular season, has instilled confidence in the Kings’ locker room.

“I think what gives us a chance to win is our depth and our defend-first mindset,” Kuemper stated. The Kings’ captain, Anze Kopitar, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Kuemper’s significant improvement and the overall team stability.

Kings coach Jim Hiller praised Kuemper’s consistency and impact, calling him the team’s “backbone.” The trade for Kuemper from the Washington Capitals last June appears to have been a shrewd move, providing the steady goaltending Los Angeles desperately needed after the departure of Jonathan Quick. Kuemper’s familiarity with the Kings organization from a previous stint also aided his seamless integration into the team.

The series begins Monday at Crypto.com Arena, with the Kings aiming to break their first-round losing streak and finally overcome the Oilers’ high-powered offense featuring Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The outcome hinges on Kuemper’s performance and the Kings’ ability to maintain their defensive structure.

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