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Edmonton Oilers first playoff opponent nearly confirmed
Photo credit: Imagn Images
The Edmonton Oilers still have nine more games to play this season, but their first round playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Kings looks to be set in stone.
The upcoming 4 game road trip will be huge for the Oilers to potentially jockey for home ice advantage, but a first round matchup against LA is practically guaranteed.
Edmonton Oilers set for fourth straight matchup against Los Angeles Kings in first round of playoffs
The Oilers have reason to be confident in the matchup for some obvious reasons - they've won the last three times.
However, that may give some extra reason that the Kings could beat the odds one time. This year's Kings team is a much improved squad, and heavily motivated to beat the team that's eliminated them three times.
The Kings have put up a solid fight against the Oilers each year from their strong defence and opportunistic offence. This season, they're getting much more quality goaltending from Darcy Kuemper, their offence has improved without their heavily defensive structure, and their defence strength has held up.
The Kings are looking much better, and at the moment the Kings are actually above the Oilers in the standings. If they can secure home ice advantage, and potentially take a Game 7 situation out of Alberta, it would be a big advantage for the Kings.
Oilers will need to get fully healthy and start clicking before playoffs
The Oilers are dealing with some significant injuries at the moment, but when all of their players return, they'll be an extremely deep team themselves.
After acquiring Trent Frederic, Jake Walman, and getting Evander Kane back, the Oilers forward and defence will look to be their strongest this decade. Their only question mark will remain in goal with Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard.
Hopefully the Oilers can secure some wins in their upcoming road trip with a weakened roster, and at least tilt home ice advantage back in their favour in a playoff matchup against the Kings.
| POLL | ||
MARS 31 | 427 ANSWERS Edmonton Oilers first playoff opponent nearly confirmed Do you think the Oilers will beat the Kings in another playoff matchup? | ||
| Yes | 348 | 81.5 % |
| No | 79 | 18.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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