Phillip Danault scores late, Kings beat Oilers in series opener

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Phillip Danault capitalized after a miscue by Edmonton goalie Mike Smith and scored the tiebreaking goal late in the third period, leading the Los Angeles Kings to a 4-3 win over the Oilers on Monday night in Game 1 of the opening-round playoff series.

Smith tried to clear the puck from behind his net and instead put it on the stick of a Kings player in front. Smith made a diving save, but couldn't corral the puck. Seconds later, Danault scored at 14:46 of the third after a shot by Sean Durzi from the point.

"Playoffs are a long journey. There are going to be ups and downs," Smith said. "It’s how you deal with it that makes you good or makes you a team that’s watching from the sidelines."

Smith stopped 31 of 35 shots he faced for Edmonton.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Los Angeles Kings celebrate a goal against the Edmonton Oilers during the first period of Game 1 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series, Monday, May 2, 2022 in Edmonton, Alberta. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via AP)

"I was just trying to make something happen," Smith said. "Obviously trying to do too much there. In a tight game like that, you can’t afford to make mistakes like that. It ended up costing us the game. Obviously disappointed, but it’s one game and we move on."

Trevor Moore and Alex Iafallo each had a goal and assist for the Kings. Brandon Lemieux also scored.

Connor McDavid and Kailier Yamamoto each had a goal and assist for Edmonton. Leon Draisaitl rounded out the scoring with a power-play goal.

Kings goalie Jonathan Quick made 35 saves.

Game 2 is Wednesday in Edmonton. The series shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3 on