Quick, L.A. Kings outlast Edmonton Oilers for 4-3 win in Game 1

A late mistake proved costly as the Edmonton Oilers began their playoff run on Monday. Now the team is looking to learn from its errors.

A late mistake proved costly as the Edmonton Oilers began their playoff run on Monday. Now the team is looking to learn from its errors. 

“Playoffs are a long journey. There are going to be ups and downs," goalie Mike Smith said after the Oilers dropped a 4-3 decision to the L.A. Kings in Game 1 of the first-round series. "It’s how you deal with it that makes you good or makes you a team that’s watching from the sidelines."

After falling behind in the first period, Edmonton rallied and went into the third tied at 3-3. 

But, the Kings took the lead a final time with just over five minutes left in the game.

Smith tried to clear the puck from behind the net and instead put it on the stick of Alex Iafallo in front. The netminder made a diving save but couldn't corral the puck and seconds later Sean Druzi ripped a long bomb that Philip Danault tipped in from in front of the net. 

“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.”

Danualt, Iafallo and Trevor Moore each scored and had an assist for L.A., and Brandon Lemieux contributed a goal.