Oilers vs. Kings: Before the Puck Drops

The Edmonton Oilers are off to a pretty good start, and Tuesday night brings an interesting test. They'll visit the Los Angeles Kings looking to extend their season-opening points streak, while the Kings are still searching for their first win. On paper, this looks like a good opportunity for Edmonton. But as we know, games that look easy on paper have a way of getting complicated.

Here are three things I'll be watching.

First, Can the Oilers Keep Their Momentum Going?

Edmonton has picked up points in each of its first five games and has won four straight. Saturday's 3-1 victory over San Jose was another example of a team that seems comfortable sticking with its game plan, even when things aren't going perfectly.

Mattias Ekholm, Vasily Podkolzin, and Alex Formenton scored, while Tristan Jarry stopped 19 shots. The Oilers didn't need to do anything fancy. They stayed patient and waited for their chances. That's encouraging early in the season. Good teams don't always have their best stuff every night, but they find ways to win anyway.

Second, Keep an Eye on Connor McDavid and Vasily Podkolzin.

McDavid has points in all five games, with three goals and 10 assists. That's hardly a surprise. When he's rolling, the rest of the league usually has a problem. What's interesting is Podkolzin's start. He's also riding a five-game point streak, with five goals and two assists. Playing alongside McDavid and Leon Draisaitl gives him a terrific opportunity, and he's making the most of it.

The question is whether he can keep it going. Nobody expects him to score every night, but if Podkolzin keeps finding ways to contribute, Edmonton’s offence becomes even more dangerous.

Third, Can the Kings Finally Get a Win?

Los Angeles has lost its first four games under new coach Peter Laviolette, but the Kings don't seem ready to throw in the towel. They've been competitive in most of their games, and Saturday's 2-1 overtime loss to Vegas was another frustrating near-miss. Artemi Panarin scored the only Kings goal, and Darcy Kuemper made 30 saves. The problem is that playing well enough to stay close isn't the same as finding a way to win.

The Kings will want to make this a tight, low-scoring game and capitalize on any mistakes Edmonton makes. If the Oilers get careless, Los Angeles could finally break through.

What I'm Watching Most from the Oilers’ Perspective.

Edmonton has the momentum, the scoring, and a chance to finish its California road trip on a high note. But the Kings are desperate for a win, and desperate teams can be dangerous.

I'll be watching to see whether the Oilers stay patient and disciplined, or whether Los Angeles can turn this into the kind of grinding game that gives a struggling team some hope.