Western Conference First Round: (2) Edmonton Oilers vs (3) Los Angeles Kings

[tweetdrivr]

Still no Doughty, right? Oilers.

[lobo1969]

Still no Doughty, right? Oilers.

Even if Doughty was healthy would it really matter?

Oilers in 6

[2014olympicgold]

Oilers were 3-1-0 in the season series:
Dec 5th: 5-1 LA W
Feb 15th: 5-2 Edm W
Mar 30th: 4-3 Edm SOW
April 7th: 3-2 Edm W

Actual goals were LA 12 - 12 Edmonton

Season series was pretty freaking close. I said Edmonton 4-2 series, but I think it can go to 7 games.

[Belexus75]

Kings in 6

thats how i voted

[Eskimo Brother]

I said Wild in 7 last year vs Vegas... almost happened. I don't see it happening here, but you'll look like a genius if it does!

I think the Kings are being shortchanged here a little. If any team is built up front to shut down EDM, it's LA. Between Kopitar, Danault, and Lizotte, there's some exceptional defensively responsible centres. With Andersson due back on defence as well, the Kings are only really missing Doughty, who has missed most of the year anyways. When things tighten up a little in the playoffs, the Oilers' depth is really going to be tested. I do also wonder about Darnell Nurse's injury too, and if he's not at full strength, that EDM defence core gets unreliable really quickly.
On top of that, I'll take Quick over Smith to make a real difference in the series.

Maybe I'm crazy here as it seems like everyone is leaning the other way, but this is what I'm seeing.

[rataylor22]

To be clear, I think LA could win. I just also think LA is the easiest matchup in the playoffs.

[Invictus]

Oilers were 3-1-0 in the season series:
Dec 5th: 5-1 LA W
Feb 15th: 5-2 Edm W
Mar 30th: 4-3 Edm SOW
April 7th: 3-2 Edm W

Actual goals were LA 12 - 12 Edmonton

Season series was pretty freaking close. I said Edmonton 4-2 series, but I think it can go to 7 games.

How bad were the Oilers though in December?... They won two games in December that's it.
They aren't that team right now.

I don't think Kopitar can contain McDavid. I think Danault can contain Draisaitl, but then there's the PP.
Maybe they put Danault on one of McDavid/Draisaitl and Lizotte on the other leaving Kopitar on an easier matchup. Bold move.

To be clear, I think LA could win. I just also think LA is the easiest matchup in the playoffs.

Ya Edmonton certainly has weaknesses they can exploit to make a series win happen.

[tweetdrivr]

Doughty out hurts. If Nurse can’t go that really hurts. But the addition of Evander Kane has been a F depth game changer for this team. The Oilers goaltending definitely worries me. I still think the Oil in 6.

[Shake]

I keep forgetting Nurse is injured. Has anyone seen any updated information on his return date?

[Daydream Nation]

Would love to see an upset and for Draisaitl to get all pissy but if I were betting I'd go Oilers in 5.

[Eskimo Brother]

I keep forgetting Nurse is injured. Has anyone seen any updated information on his return date?

Sounds like he could be back for game one but I haven't seen anything definitive other than him definitely being done for the regular season.

- - - Updated - - -

Meanwhile, Kopitar is out tonight.

[2014olympicgold]

If we go off of past playoffs, the PP and PKs won't be a huge series tilter.


tongue in check comment ^

[Feenom]

Oil in 5

[finnys_fanatsy]

Oilers in 7

[Invictus]

Apparently I already voted... Oh well screw my vote! Kings in 4!