As mentioned in a segment on TSN with Ryan Rishaug and Pierre LeBrun, the Edmonton Oilers are trying to close out their first-round series with the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday night. Back in Edmonton and with a strong home record, the Oilers odds are strong. However, Rishaug pointed out one key statistic that could be the difference-maker in the game.

Rishaug noted that, of the 17 games these two teams have played against each other in the last three seasons, the team who scores first has won 15 of those games. Meaning, that if the Oilers can come out with a strong start and dictate the play, scoring early, their odds of winning go up dramatically. This is especially true because the Kings like to play a 1-3-1 style of defense and if they have to chase the game, they’ll need to veer from what has made them successful