Oilers vs Kings part IV

[oXo Cube]

This Edmonton fan is not nearly as confident as he was the last few times around this block.

The current crop of Oilers just don't really seem to have 'it' and never get any goaltending even in the occasional games where they do look like they're supposed to.

 

[Shanahanigans]

Oilers are I think 47% on the PP the last 3 years against the Kings. Whenever I watch LA against other teams they’re really good, but for some reason they struggle against teams with star power like the Oilers. Last year the Oilers won in 5, and it didn’t feel like they really broke much of a sweat. LA looks to be unstoppable at home this year, and they’ll likely have home ice advantage, so we’ll see how it plays out.

 

[Coffee]

This Edmonton fan is not nearly as confident as he was the last few times around this block.

so they got you where they want you ?

 

[KeithIsActuallyBad]

I don’t want this series. The way this team is playing this year is much worse than last year.

 

[bland]

There are a lot of my fellow Kings fans who have refused to notice that they are bigger, faster, stronger along the walls, tougher, younger and better slotted than the pushovers that laid down for the Oilers over the past two years.

They have a likely Vezina finalist. They no longer play the passive 1-3-1 that fit squarely into Edmonton's wheelhouse - they are a much more aggressive, physical team. They have defensemen that can launch breakouts on all three pairs now. All four lines have clear cut identities. This LA Kings team is a MUCH bigger threat than the last two runs, and a much more talented version of the gutsy overachievers that took Edmonton to 7 three years ago.

 

[Greatzsky 99]

Looks almost certain we will have a Kings vs oilers 4th straight year 1st round matchup. Curious if this bores Oilers fans but hope for it because they like the matchup? Kings fans, bored with this and hope for anything else or do you WANT it and to slay the dragon? Neutral fans, guessing you will be bored by this series or no?

I think it will be a better series then last year, the Kings has looked good lately.

 

[Czechboy]

Heartbreaking to read these comments from Oilers fans if I’m being completely honest with you.

There no player in the world more dangerous than Draisaitl.

If you aren’t betting on your top guns to steal a couple series. Then it’s okay because a lot of other people will be

McDrai aren't the problem. They are unreal. Team sport and shitty GM with a roster that I don't think can do it. I hope I'm wrong

 

[Video Nasty]

Oilers in 7. Oilers in 6. Oilers in 5. Oilers in 4?

 

[dabeechman]

The optimist in me just wants to see them beat Edmonton. The pessimist in me knows they won't beat Dallas or Colorado, so an early exit just helps the argument to fire Blake/Luc.

 

[TheLegend27]

When is the last time teams met four years in a row with one team winning the first three years? Wondering if there is an old sports saying about how hard it is to beat a team four years in a row.

Pens and Caps were close to the criteria with Pens winning in 16’, 17 before the Caps finally broke through in 18. Difference is that everyone stepped up for the Pens in those series, where the Oilers just seem to be the perfect counter for the Kings trap defense.

 

[bland]

McDrai aren't the problem. They are unreal. Team sport and shitty GM with a roster that I don't think can do it. I hope I'm wrong

One thing working better in the Kings favor is that while Draisaitl has eaten Kopitar's lunch for years now, Danault has done a respectable job 5v5 against McDavid. Byfield's emergence as a very good defensive center is going to free up one of their very good top 3 lines to avoid the gorilla matchups that have limited the contributions the Kings top 6 have been able to make offensively.

Kuzmenko-Kopitar-Kempe
Laferriere-Byfield-Fiala
Moore-Danault-Foegle.

Three different Kings lines have 20 goal scorers, not something they have been able to offer in the past. Recent years saw the Kings best offensive players worn out chasing down the Oilers top 6, this year it looks like the Kings will have at least one line matchup in their favor every night.

 

[Jumptheshark]

Most of us Oilers fans aren't looking past the Kings at all. Not this year.

Nope. Not the way we are playing and how many injuries we have

 

[WhiskeyEE]

Pens and Caps were close to the criteria with Pens winning in 16’, 17 before the Caps finally broke through in 18. Difference is that everyone stepped up for the Pens in those series, where the Oilers just seem to be the perfect counter for the Kings defense.

The Oilers don't have the same rush game this year. Their rush indeed was very good in the past. Also the entire top line has regressed and Bouchard isn't anywhere near as lethal.

 

[Osprey]

There are a lot of my fellow Kings fans who have refused to notice that they are bigger, faster, stronger along the walls, tougher, younger and better slotted than the pushovers that laid down for the Oilers over the past two years.

They have a likely Vezina finalist. They no longer play the passive 1-3-1 that fit squarely into Edmonton's wheelhouse - they are a much more aggressive, physical team. They have defensemen that can launch breakouts on all three pairs now. All four lines have clear cut identities. This LA Kings team is a MUCH bigger threat than the last two runs, and a much more talented version of the gutsy overachievers that took Edmonton to 7 three years ago.

 

[chris kontos]

"You have to do alot of things right to win without a power play"
-scotty bowman

 

[Bandit]

There are a lot of my fellow Kings fans who have refused to notice that they are bigger, faster, stronger along the walls, tougher, younger and better slotted than the pushovers that laid down for the Oilers over the past two years.

They have a likely Vezina finalist. They no longer play the passive 1-3-1 that fit squarely into Edmonton's wheelhouse - they are a much more aggressive, physical team. They have defensemen that can launch breakouts on all three pairs now. All four lines have clear cut identities. This LA Kings team is a MUCH bigger threat than the last two runs, and a much more talented version of the gutsy overachievers that took Edmonton to 7 three years ago.

I haven’t refused to notice. I just wan Blake fired.

 

[Sniper99]

Need the 1 vs. 8 format like yesterday.

 

[HabsWhiteKnightLOL]

Surely selke player Phillip Dunno will stop Mcdavid and Draisailt this year!

 

[Czechboy]

One thing working better in the Kings favor is that while Draisaitl has eaten Kopitar's lunch for years now, Danault has done a respectable job 5v5 against McDavid. Byfield's emergence as a very good defensive center is going to free up one of their very good top 3 lines to avoid the gorilla matchups that have limited the contributions the Kings top 6 have been able to make offensively.

Kuzmenko-Kopitar-Kempe
Laferriere-Byfield-Fiala
Moore-Danault-Foegle.

Three different Kings lines have 20 goal scorers, not something they have been able to offer in the past. Recent years saw the Kings best offensive players worn out chasing down the Oilers top 6, this year it looks like the Kings will have at least one line matchup in their favor every night.

You guys beat us in round 1 and I won't even flinch. I think it goes 7. I think King's have a great team. I also think they must hate us with a passion and that could help them too!

 

[McShogun99]

The Kings are the last team I’d want the Oilers to face in the first round this year. They finally have a legit starting goalie and will be extra motivated to win. They also made some nice depth additions this year. Hopefully a first round exit finally forces Oilers management to get a good goalie and quit signing geriatric players.

 

[Oilslick941611]

Looks almost certain we will have a Kings vs oilers 4th straight year 1st round matchup. Curious if this bores Oilers fans but hope for it because they like the matchup? Kings fans, bored with this and hope for anything else or do you WANT it and to slay the dragon? Neutral fans, guessing you will be bored by this series or no?

Very bored of it.

I don’t have any feelings towards LA. Not even after 3 playoff series, not any type of rival feeling anyway. I personally don’t like their jerseys or colour scheme, I don’t like how they play and I’m tired of being forced to watch them in the playoffs.

I would rather play anyone else. I’m so bored and tired of LA.

 

[Czechboy]

Bouchard isn't anywhere near as lethal.

How much less lethal do you think he is this year?

 

[McFlash97]

You can't expect a team like the Oilers heading into the playoffs with the worst goaltending tandem in the league, a lack of chemistry with at least 3 different players returning during the playoffs, 2 of whom who haven't played in months to win against a team that are angry that then Oilers have knocked them out 3 years in a row. pedestrian McDavid and Podkolzin playing in their top 6 over someone like Holloway. Its a recipe for a disaster. I am going to say the Kings run through us in 5. Heard it here first.

Heads would need to roll after. Jackson and Bowman can gtfo.

 

[Divine]

Let's see their series history

22: Kings lose in 7
23: Kings lose in 6
24: Kings lose in 5
25: ?

Well, I think we know where this is heading. Probably the worst matchup for the Kings in the entire west. Their weakness is team speed and that's Edmonton's strength. Albeit Edmonton got a lot slower this season so maybe - but it's Edmonton's preferred matchup out of the whole West probably.

 

[Chet Manley]

The Oilers this year haven't been finishing their chances while opponents in a goalscoring slump are going off the post and in. Just an eye test type thing but it really seems true compared to any time in the past ~8 years. Or maybe just back to the Winnipeg series in 2021 but 4 games isn't a big sample size. Anyway, if this trend continues than they'll need McDrai to be heroic to get past this version of the Kings.