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Victor Petkov
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Oilers clinch crucial 1-0 win over Kings to extend series lead
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Stuart Skinner was fundamental for Edmonton with 33 saves

Stuart Skinner stood tall between the pipes, registering 33 saves to backstop the visiting Edmonton Oilers to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Los Angeles Kings in Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round series on Sunday night.

With the win, the Oilers now hold a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series as they head into Game 5 on Wednesday night in Edmonton, aiming to eliminate the Kings in the first round for the third consecutive season.

Evan Bouchard provided the lone goal of the game with a power-play marker, with assists credited to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. McDavid continues to be a force in the series with 10 points, while Draisaitl has tallied eight points.

In a strategic move, Los Angeles interim coach Jim Hiller opted to start David Rittich in goal for the first time in the series, replacing Cam Talbot, who struggled in the previous games. Rittich made 12 saves in his first playoff start in nearly two years, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win for the Kings.

The Oilers’ power play continued to shine, converting 8 of their 15 opportunities in the series, while the Kings failed to capitalize on any of their 11 power-play chances.

Despite being outshot 10-4 in a scoreless first period and being outhit by the Kings 41-27 throughout the game, the Oilers managed to hold on for the crucial victory, putting them on the brink of advancing to the next round.