NHL executives have harsh words for Edmonton Oilers in new playoff ranks
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The Edmonton Oilers are entering this playoffs for the first time in a while as underdogs, and now NHL executives have revealed some harsh thoughts on their chances too.
Top NHL analysts at the Athletic have already given the Kings the advantage with win the series with a 50.2% chance, something these executives surely believe.
Multiple anonymous NHL executives rip Edmonton Oilers playoff chances
In a new article from NHL insider Chris Johnston, multiple team executives have their thoughts on the playoffs this year and ranked teams in terms of Cup Contender status.
The Edmonton Oilers fell into the second tier of teams, and ranked 8th overall of any team. Team executives pointed at goaltending, injury concerns, and fatigue as major draws on the team.
Executive 1: «I think this is the weakest Edmonton team we've seen in a bit.»
Executive 2: «No goaltending, no depth.»
Executive 3: «I think fatigue (is a concern). McDavid being hurt (at times), Draisaitl being hurt (at times). If they make a run, this would be their third deep run in the playoffs and we all know how that works with fatigue.
Executive 2: «No goaltending, no depth.»
Executive 3: «I think fatigue (is a concern). McDavid being hurt (at times), Draisaitl being hurt (at times). If they make a run, this would be their third deep run in the playoffs and we all know how that works with fatigue.
The Oilers have dropped out of the top tier of teams and almost found themselves in the Dark Horse category. Two executives pointed directly at two key players that could sink the Oilers this year.
The loss of Mattias Ekholm is a crushing blow to the defence and even to his specialized partner Evan Bouchard. Stuart Skinner has struggled massively this season, and the Oilers will face a better goalie in each playoff round.
Executive 1: And then the goalie, I still worry about Skinner. They're going into the playoffs with the seventh or eighth-best goaltending in the West. That's a little scary, but they're also going in with the most talented team
Executive 2: Ekholm is the stabilizer of that D core. He's their best defenseman to me. He unlocks the full ability of Bouchard
Executive 2: Ekholm is the stabilizer of that D core. He's their best defenseman to me. He unlocks the full ability of Bouchard
Still reason to believe in Edmonton Oilers pulling off improbably playoff run
NHL executives sound really down on the Oilers chances, but the reality is they're still seeing the talent. If any other team lost their number one defenceman and their starting goalie was near worst left in the league, there would be no hope of winning.
The Edmonton Oilers have Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The two superstars have the ability to individually dominate entire series, and improve the players around them to do it. They can elevate their game, and if the Oilers win, it will be on the back of McDavid and Draisaitl.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 19 | 1011 ANSWERS NHL executives have harsh words for Edmonton Oilers in new playoff ranks Do you think the Oilers can still win the Stanley Cup this year? | ||
| Yes | 737 | 72.9 % |
| No | 274 | 27.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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