The Edmonton Oilers and You: Does this team have what it take to get back to the Western Conference Finals?
By Colton Hoppe on March 22, 2023
With the NHL season coming to an end on April 13th, the Edmonton Oilers have the 3rd easiest stretch of schedule in the league which can lead to a late season push to claim the Pacific Division. Playoffs are all but a guarantee, but barring a late season collapse, the playoffs are a lock. Let’s dive into what first round matchups the Oilers could potentially see going into round one.
The matchup that would be most probable for Round One is also a rematch of last year’s first round. The Kings have retooled to be a Pacific Division threat, even with trading franchise goalie Jonathan Quick out of town to make room for Joonas Korpisalo and Vladislav Gavrikov. Todd Maclellan continues to get the most out of this team and with LA, and the Kings having the season series at 2-0 so far. The Oilers have re-enforced the team since their last meeting, however, bringing Mattias Ekholm and Nick Bjugtad. Stuart Skinner did play against the Kings at the Crypto.com arena back on the 9th of January and did get chased in a 6-3 loss. I’m not too jazzed to potentially play a team that’s young, hungry and highly skilled. But I do think in a best of 7 series, Edmonton would prevail in 7.
This matchup is a little less likely to occur, but it’s a matchup I would welcome in a heartbeat. Seattle took a huge step forward as an expansion team this season and has been shocking and surprising the league all season. Led by Calder Trophy favourite Matty Beniers and the blossoming of Defenceman Vince Dunn, they’ve shocked the league with their quick pace of play and abrasive nature. Edmonton has faired much better against them than other Pacific Division teams with the Oilers taking the season series 4 games to 1. Edmonton had Seattle’s number all season and then some, so I would feel very confident going into a 7 game series against an inexperienced team. Oilers in 5.
This one would make for a great second round, as the points between these two teams make it a hard stretch for a round one match-up. The Pacific Division is Vegas’ to lose as they’ve got 92 to lead the way. Edmonton has had good success against this team in the past, but with how banged up they are and still posted an 8-2-0 record in their last 10 shows that they’re out to win this season, even with key injuries to Mark Stone and Logan Thompson. Jack Eichel and Chandler Stephenson lead the way on this team with 54 points each, but they’re a deep team so the need for guys who can score 80-100 points to carry them through the season. Pete Debour, former head coach of the Sharks found a new landing spot there to start the season and that’s been a seamless transition. Edmonton has taken the first two matchups this season as both games were a 4-3 final and they play each other two more times before the season wraps up April 13th. This would be an absolutely magnificent matchup that hockey fans would watch on the edge of their seats. I still think Edmonton would pick this series up in 6 games.
The playoffs are no rest for the wicked, and the intensity ratchets up to 11. You can always catch the latest on what’s going on in the NHL on the NR92 After Hours Show, Snipers & Sluggers on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. for your dose of NHL catch-up.