As the NHL playoffs approach, the Edmonton Oilers have adopted a new patient approach that has given them a solid edge against their opponents. With their star players Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the way, the Oilers seem well-equipped for their upcoming playoff rematch against the Los Angeles Kings. In this article, we’ll delve into why the Oilers’ new strategy could bring them success in the post-season, and how they match up against their rival Kings.
The Edmonton Oilers have had a record-breaking regular season, finishing on a franchise record-tying nine-game winning streak and posting the best power play in NHL history at 32.4 percent. Connor McDavid led the league in goals, assists, and points, winning his first Rocket Richard Trophy and his third-consecutive Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s top point-getter.
The Oilers are now looking towards the playoffs, with a Round 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Kings. L.A. presents a low-scoring, defensive game that requires a patient approach from their opponent, something that former Oilers teams have struggled with. However, this team has finally learned to play this game successfully, beating the Kings at their own game in their last two meetings.
McDavid notes that this Oilers team is much more mature than previous hopeful playoff editions. Last year, the Oilers made it to the Western Conference Final, and this year, they have a season that leaves them wondering if they’ve finally got what it takes to get back to a Stanley Cup Final that was once a rite of spring for them.
The playoffs are about finding a new hero every night, and with a pair of 50-goal men and 13 different 10-goal scorers scattered throughout their lineup, the Oilers have the potential for contributions from everyone. Head coach Jay Woodcroft emphasizes the importance of continuing to do hard things in pressure moments and finding a way to be at their best when the other team is at their best.
The winner of Kings-Oilers will advance against whomever emerges from Vegas vs. Winnipeg as the Pacific Division cleared up its playoff picture only on the final game of the final night of its season, when the Golden Knights claimed a 3-1 win in regulation in Seattle. It’s time for this Oilers team to make a post-season that matches what all those Hall of Famers did back in the day, and it all starts with their Round 1 matchup against the Kings.
As the Oilers gear up for their playoff rematch against the Kings, it’s clear that they are well equipped to take on the challenge with a new patient approach. With the addition of experienced players like Adam Larsson and Milan Lucic, as well as the continued growth of young stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton has the talent and mindset needed to come out on top. But as we’ve seen in past playoff series, anything can happen, and the Oilers will need to stay focused and disciplined if they want to come out victorious. One thing is for sure, though: this should be an exciting and hard-fought series that hockey fans won’t want to miss!
