Edmonton Oilers losing ground could set up for playoff disadvantage
Photo credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
The Edmonton Oilers goal to winning the Pacific Division this year appears to be slipping through their fingers as the Vegas Golden Knights are now five points ahead of them with 18 games remaining.
The Oilers set that goal early in the year despite a slow start after going to the Stanley Cup finals last year and not having home ice advantage which could have been beneficial and a different outcome for the team.
Home ice in the playoffs crucial for Oilers success
One of the main concerns of the Oilers play this year has been the issue with consistency.
The Oilers have had many highs and lows throughout the year which was parallel to last year especially with their brutal slow start in October and November.
Those slow starts to the team were quite costly as those points would have given them a bigger cushion especially now in March as they would have been either close to the Golden Knights or pass the Golden Knights holding the lead in the Pacific Division while holding off the Los Angeles Kings.
Oilers play by play broadcaster Jack Michaels even insinuated the importance of winning home ice and the Pacific division.
If the Oilers are to go to the Stanley Cup finals again as it will help them when it comes to travel as they will have more days at home to rest and recuperate.
I do sense there is a higher degree of importance placed on where they finish. I think it's on the back of everyone's mind that, had Game 7 been played in Edmonton's venue as opposed to South Florida, there may have been a different outcome. - Jack Michaels
Final stretch of the season still up in the air for Oilers
There is still time for the Oilers to mount elite season charge and take the reins of the Pacific division away from the Golden Knights.
Whether its strong play, an injury to the Golden Knights that could hurt their chances, the Oilers can be dominant and should take the opportunity to finish strong and win their division.
It remains to be seen on how well the team will perform as the Oilers have a few more games on the road rather than at home.
The Oilers will be on the road tomorrow night as they face off against the New Jersey Devils as they currently are playing against Eastern Conference opponents and game time will be at 7:00 PM eastern on March 13th.
Source: Oilersnation
Playoff Race: Golden Knights continue to break away from the Oilers
Playoff Race: Golden Knights continue to break away from the Oilers
| POLL | ||
MARS 12 | 658 ANSWERS Edmonton Oilers losing ground could set up for playoff disadvantage Do you think the Edmonton Oilers can win the Pacific Divsion this year? | ||
| Yes | 210 | 31.9 % |
| No | 448 | 68.1 % |
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