In just a few short years, the NHL playoffs will be upon us once again, with teams battling it out for the ultimate prize of the coveted Stanley Cup. While there are sure to be plenty of exciting matchups to watch, one that is sure to capture the attention of fans and analysts alike is the potential showdown between the Edmonton Oilers and the Los Angeles Kings. Both teams have been on the rise in recent years, building young, talented rosters that are capable of going deep in the postseason. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what these teams bring to the table and what fans can expect if they face off in the playoffs in 2023.
The Edmonton Oilers, led by superstar Connor McDavid, are heading into the playoffs as one of the hottest and most well-rounded teams in recent years. They face off against the equally hot Los Angeles Kings in what’s shaping up to be a must-watch first-round matchup. While the Oilers are favorites to advance to the second round for the third time in the McDavid era, this series could go either way, given that the Kings are a defensive powerhouse and have improved greatly since last season.
The Kings boast the NHL’s second-best defense, surrendering only 7.49 expected goals against thanks to their ability to limit their opponents’ opportunities in their own zone. Los Angeles’ expected goal suppression on the penalty kill is superior to Edmonton’s, which could work to the Kings’ advantage.
However, the Oilers are a potent offensive team, with an elite power play that boasts some of the NHL’s top shooters. Mattias Ekholm, who was acquired by the Oilers in a trade with Nashville earlier this year, has been a standout player on both ends of the ice. And with Stuart Skinner stepping up in net as a rookie goaltender to post impressive numbers, the Oilers have a solid defense that complements their impressive offense.
In the end, it will likely come down to McDavid and his ability to take over when needed, as he did in last year’s playoffs. But with improvements on both sides of the puck, and a stronger roster than they had last season, the Oilers are poised to make a deep playoff run.
As we wrap up our 2023 NHL playoff preview, we can’t help but feel excited for the matchup between the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings. With both teams making significant improvements in the off-season, it’s bound to be a close and thrilling series. Will Connor McDavid and the Oilers’ offense prove too much for the Kings to handle? Or will the Kings’ solid defense and goaltending shut down the Oilers’ attack? Only time will tell. One thing is for sure, though – this series has the potential to be a classic and we can’t wait to tune in for every minute of the action.
