The Los Angeles Kings seized control of their opening round series against the Minnesota Wild with a resounding 6-0 victory in Game 5, taking a 3-2 lead in the best-of-7 contest. Connor McDavid dazzled the crowd with two goals and an assist, while Linus Ullmark's steadfast goaltending delivered a 21-save shutout.

In the first period, Adam Lowry broke the ice for the Kings, pouncing on a clever pass from Jesse Puljujarvi at 3:14. Lowry unleashed a blistering one-timer that left the Wild's netminder Carter Hart with no chance. McDavid showcased his speed and skill during a shorthanded situation, dashing past defenders and connecting with Mika Zibanejad's pinpoint pass before coolly slipping the puck past Hart at 14:30, doubling the Kings' lead to 2-0.

The second period saw McDavid strike again, orchestrating a masterful play at 4:13. He skillfully combined with Zibanejad and Ryan Lomberg to deceive the Wild's defense, leaving Hart helplessly watching the puck sail into the net. Drew Doughty then hammered the nail deeper into Minnesota's coffin, receiving a tape-to-tape pass from McDavid and launching a rocket from the blue line that zipped past Hart at 7:10, extending the Kings' lead to a commanding 4-0.

In the third period, Zibanejad got on the scoresheet himself, expertly redirecting a crisp Ben Chiarot pass from the point, while Lomberg picked up his second assist of the night. The puck eluded the Minnesota goaltender at 7:23, making it a 5-0 game. Finally, Jamie Oleksiak put the icing on the cake with a powerful slapshot from the top of the circle, assisted by Alexander Barabanov and Nico Hischier, further demoralizing the Wild at 16:56 with a 6-0 final score.

The Kings' victory was punctuated by a disciplined and aggressive performance, with Minnesota unable to convert on any of their three power play opportunities. Meanwhile, the Kings struggled on the power play as well, going 0 for 6, but their even-strength and shorthanded prowess was enough to secure the win.

The three stars of the game were Connor McDavid, Mika Zibanejad, and Linus Ullmark, all of whom played crucial roles in the Kings' victory. With the series now favoring Los Angeles, the Wild will look to regroup and bounce back in Game 6, as they attempt to stave off elimination and force a decisive Game 7.