WCF: Edmonton Oilers vs. Colorado Avalanche ( Avs lead 3-0 )

[JoeSakic13]

Lol take it easy dude. You're talking as if the Avelanche's D is the 2014 Canadian Olympic team's. Oilers fans have been watching your team too, and we know they have a good defense roster. But not that good.

I’m really not. I’m outlining the fact that you’ve faced some absolutely horrible defenses leading up to this. Calgary in the regular season was led by Markstrom’s play and he went on vacation in the playoffs. So people suggesting that McDrai is gonna continue the level they’re at is hilarious.

Are they going to light up Kuemper? Absolutely. I wouldn’t bet against it. However are they going to continue to look like they’re playing on a different level? Absolutely not.

 

[McFlyingV]

I’m really not. I’m outlining the fact that you’ve faced some absolutely horrible defenses leading up to this. Calgary in the regular season was led by Markstrom’s play and he went on vacation in the playoffs. So people suggesting that McDrai is gonna continue the level they’re at is hilarious.

Are they going to light up Kuemper? Absolutely. I wouldn’t bet against it. However are they going to continue to look like they’re playing on a different level? Absolutely not.

This is revisionist history. The Flames as a team had better defensive metrics this year than Colorado. To claim their regular season results were due to Markstrom is objectively wrong.

 

[Draicycle]

My heart says Oil in 5. My brain says Oil in 6....I'm not smart. Either way, this will be a fun series but not as fun as spanking the Flames.

 

[tkb81]

Love the underdog role. It's turned out well for us so far. Keep the "Avs in 4" predictions coming baby.

ya'll were the underdog in one series .. haha LA should have been done in 5 maybe 6 and im a kings fan

 

[Mr Positive]

The way this probably goes is that Kane-McDavid-Draisaitl is our top line but it gets split up if we are leading on the scoreboard

 

[Avsfan1921]

You made a ridiculous statement that was easily debunked.

Woe is the Oilers facing the best D-core ever assembled.

And woe are the Avs for facing the best Offence ever assembled. There is a LOT of hyperbole being throw around in this thread, by both sides. The Avs are going to face the best offensive team they have played to date, just like the Oilers are going to play the best defensive team they've played, to date.

There are so many posters talking about how Mcdrai put up like 3 points per game last round, that is not sustainable. It may continue for a bit but anyone thinking those are realistic numbers are not grounded in reality. The way the Avs are currently playing defensively is way more sustainable than the offensive run the top line for the Oilers are on.

This is anybody's series as either side, when clicking, can be absolutely dominant. The Oilers are superior in capitalizing on their chances while the Avs are superior at minimizing those chances. I don't think that's an unreasonable conclusion to draw. Whoever applies their gameplan more effectively will likely be the winner of this series, barring a goalie going on a huge run or meltdown.

 

[Tobias Kahun]

And woe are the Avs for facing the best Offence ever assembled. There is a LOT of hyperbole being throw around in this thread, by both sides. The Avs are going to face the best offensive team they have played to date, just like the Oilers are going to play the best defensive team they've played, to date.

There are so many posters talking about how Mcdrai put up like 3 points per game last round, that is not sustainable. It may continue for a bit but anyone thinking those are realistic numbers are not grounded in reality. The way the Avs are currently playing defensively is way more sustainable than the offensive run the top line for the Oilers are on.

This is anybody's series as either side, when clicking, can be absolutely dominant. The Oilers are superior in capitalizing on their chances while the Avs are superior at minimizing those chances. I don't think that's an unreasonable conclusion to draw. Whoever applies their gameplan more effectively will likely be the winner of this series, barring a goalie going on a huge run or meltdown.

I think we'll see periods of play where each team is outplaying the other by probably a significant margin.

Avs are by far the biggest challenge the Oilers have played both offensively and defensively.

 

[JoeSakic13]

I’m ready to eat crow if I’m wrong, but y’all Oilers fans are gonna put them on the endangered species list.

 

[McFlyingV]

And woe are the Avs for facing the best Offence ever assembled. There is a LOT of hyperbole being throw around in this thread, by both sides. The Avs are going to face the best offensive team they have played to date, just like the Oilers are going to play the best defensive team they've played, to date.

There are so many posters talking about how Mcdrai put up like 3 points per game last round, that is not sustainable. It may continue for a bit but anyone thinking those are realistic numbers are not grounded in reality. The way the Avs are currently playing defensively is way more sustainable than the offensive run the top line for the Oilers are on.

This is anybody's series as either side, when clicking, can be absolutely dominant. The Oilers are superior in capitalizing on their chances while the Avs are superior at minimizing those chances. I don't think that's an unreasonable conclusion to draw. Whoever applies their gameplan more effectively will likely be the winner of this series, barring a goalie going on a huge run or meltdown.

The regular season stats do not support that the Avs are a stronger defensive team than Calgary.

 

[McFlyingV]

I’m ready to eat crow if I’m wrong, but y’all Oilers fans are gonna put them on the endangered species list.

I can't speak for other fans, but I am not confident in any way how the outcome of this series will go. I've just disputed your claim that Edmonton hasn't faced any good defensive teams these playoffs when Calgary had better defensive metrics at both 5v5 and all strengths during the season, and LA was pretty comparable at both 5v5 and all strengths to what Colorado did during the regular season.

 

[soothsayer]

The regular season stats do not support that the Avs are a stronger defensive team than Calgary.

Yes, very strange to hear that the Oilers haven't faced a defensive team like Colorado yet when the Oilers just kicked the crap out of one of the best defensive teams in the league.

 

[GirardSpinorama]

I don't think any team can play defensively and expect to just shut down McDrai. The Avs play differently than the flames. We're gonna have the puck, we're gonna keep the puck that's our defense. Our dmen aren't scared of speed or quickness. I think we probably play more like LA than the flames, except we're better than LA in every aspect.

 

[JoeSakic13]

I can't speak for other fans, but I am not confident in any way how the outcome of this series will go. I've just disputed your claim that Edmonton hasn't faced any good defensive teams these playoffs when Calgary had better defensive metrics at both 5v5 and all strengths during the season, and LA was pretty comparable at both 5v5 and all strengths to what Colorado did during the regular season.

I have Avs in 6 but I feel ultimately it’s going to come down to the goaltending. Both teams have insane offensive firepower. So although I have the Avs D well ahead of the Oilers, neither goalie is getting Conn Smythe votes at this point. Both teams could have the best D in the world and it wouldn’t help with some of the goals both Kuemper and Smith have let in.

 

[Bank Shot]

I’m ready to eat crow if I’m wrong, but y’all Oilers fans are gonna put them on the endangered species list.

Eat crow because they dare to refute your outlandish claims?

If Colorado beats Edmonton in the series its not because Calgary and LA don't have a single defenseman that can crack the Avs top six.

 

[Puck Blaster]

The Kuemper= The pooper. Mike Smith = Hack Billy Smith.

 

[McFlyingV]

I have Avs in 6 but I feel ultimately it’s going to come down to the goaltending. Both teams have insane offensive firepower. So although I have the Avs D well ahead of the Oilers, neither goalie is getting Conn Smythe votes at this point. Both teams could have the best D in the world and it wouldn’t help with some of the goals both Kuemper and Smith have let in.

You're not wrong, but Smith has also outplayed Kuemper these playoffs. Both have had some pretty horrific games though. I just don't think the Avs overall defensive game is as elite as you think. They're an above average defensive team, but they're far from an elite one. Their D are great at limiting zone time through great puck moving and skating, but their actual ability to defend in the defensive zone leaves a lot to be desired (much like the Oilers - note I'm not saying Oilers D is equivalent, I'm saying they have similar strengths and weaknesses).

 

[JoeSakic13]

Eat crow because they dare to refute your outlandish claims?

If Colorado beats Edmonton in the series its not because Calgary and LA don't have a single defenseman that can crack the Avs top six.

Your rebuttal was that the 12 guys you faced could get icetime over a guy that plays 10min a game. I don’t understand why you’re grasping at this being a slam dunk retort.

You’re right there’s guys in those 2 D-cores better than JJ so my statement was off, but you “daring to refute” also reaffirms that you have faced some absolutely dogs*** d-cores. I’ll take the L on that statement if you want, but I’m shocked you keep trying to drive this home because it in turn helps my overall point.

 

[bobbythebrain]

I’m really not. I’m outlining the fact that you’ve faced some absolutely horrible defenses leading up to this. Calgary in the regular season was led by Markstrom’s play and he went on vacation in the playoffs. So people suggesting that McDrai is gonna continue the level they’re at is hilarious.

Are they going to light up Kuemper? Absolutely. I wouldn’t bet against it. However are they going to continue to look like they’re playing on a different level? Absolutely not.

You're foaming out the mouth like Mackinnon now. Relax

Oilers took them to 2 x OTs and pumped them for 6 goals last game. Ya, that defence is truly uncrackable lol

 

[Tobias Kahun]

Your rebuttal was that the 12 guys you faced could get icetime over a guy that plays 10min a game. I don’t understand why you’re grasping at this being a slam dunk retort.

You’re right there’s guys in those 2 D-cores better than JJ so my statement was off, but you “daring to refute” also reaffirms that you have faced some absolutely dogs*** d-cores. I’ll take the L on that statement if you want, but I’m shocked you keep trying to drive this home because it in turn helps my overall point.

It wasn't a rebuttal.

You asked a question, and he answered it.

Are you not even following the conversation you're in?

 

[Avsfan1921]

The regular season stats do not support that the Avs are a stronger defensive team than Calgary.

And stats are great... with context. The Flames played weaker offensive teams through the regular season, teams that focused on defensive structure over offensive pace. Teams that sit back and allow the opposition to push while waiting for their opportunities. If you think, as a whole, that the Flames are a better team with regards to defensive play then that's on you. Look at the forwards, and name the players capable and willing to play a defensive structure. The Flames do not have the defensive forward depth of Colorado. Look at the Defense, the Flames do not have the defensive depth over Colorado. They are a solid group and deserve accolades on the season they had but if you believe they have as much defensive ability because stats say so then that's on you.

This isn't even taking into account the deadline acquisitions, all of whom were targeted for their defensive strengths. These players played a couple weeks for the Avs, not the whole regular season. And to be clear, they have made a BIG difference on this run.

I know your gonna say "here we go again with the weaker division excuse" but when you play weaker competition regularly over the duration of a season of course your going to look good on the stats sheet. Remember, Ryan Graves was an NHL leader in +/- previously. Stats need context.

Colorado finished first in the west and a major strength, all season long, was their defenses' ability to limit oppositions attack time, while being elite at transitional defense. Colorado are not world beaters defensively but they are a top defensive team and the biggest test the oilers will have faced in these playoffs.

 

[Three On Zero]

Back to the topic of where the D matches up, how many guys from the LA Kings (with an injured Doughty) and Calgary Flames defensive core do you even have making the Colorado top 6?

Yes the Oilers top guys are going to still be powerhouses, but they’re facing a much different defense this round.

A Tanev/Makar pairing would be absolutely filthy

 

[Tobias Kahun]

And stats are great... with context. The Flames played weaker offensive teams through the regular season, teams that focused on defensive structure over offensive pace. Teams that sit back and allow the opposition to push while waiting for their opportunities. If you think, as a whole, that the Flames are a better team with regards to defensive play then that's on you. Look at the forwards, and name the players capable and willing to play a defensive structure. The Flames do not have the defensive forward depth of Colorado. Look at the Defense, the Flames do not have the defensive depth over Colorado. They are a solid group and deserve accolades on the season they had but if you believe they have as much defensive ability because stats say so then that's on you.

This isn't even taking into account the deadline acquisitions, all of whom were targeted for their defensive strengths. These players played a couple weeks for the Avs, not the whole regular season. And to be clear, they have made a BIG difference on this run.

I know your gonna say "here we go again with the weaker division excuse" but when you play weaker competition regularly over the duration of a season of course your going to look good on the stats sheet. Remember, Ryan Graves was an NHL leader in +/- previously. Stats need context.

Colorado finished first in the west and a major strength, all season long, was their defenses' ability to limit oppositions attack time, while being elite at transitional defense. Colorado are not world beaters defensively but they are a top defensive team and the biggest test the oilers will have faced in these playoffs.

You are aware the schedule is pretty balanced right now right?

Its not the days of old where you played your division teams 8 times a season.

For the 2021–22 season the NHL regular season formula was adjusted to account for the addition of the Seattle Kraken. Each team plays either three or four games against the other teams in its division (a total of 26 games) as well as playing all non-divisional teams in their own conference three times (24 games)

Colorado played the following teams 4 times.

Arizona, Chicago, Minnesota, Nashville, Winnipeg.

What a list of offensive powerhouses.

 

[JoeSakic13]

A Tanev/Makar pairing would absolutely filthy

Agreed on this one. I think a lot of Avs fans have been clamoring for Tanev to be brought over for a while now.

 

[Avsfan1921]

You are aware the schedule is pretty balanced right now right?

Its not the days of old where you played your division teams 8 times a season.

For the 2021–22 season the NHL regular season formula was adjusted to account for the addition of the Seattle Kraken. Each team plays either three or four games against the other teams in its division (a total of 26 games) as well as playing all non-divisional teams in their own conference three times (24 games)

Actually, I did not know that and I apologize for misrepresenting that they played weaker competition. I missed that the schedule was updated so that skews my previous outlook on the qoc. However, I do stand by the rest of my statement.

 

[Three On Zero]

Agreed on this one. I think a lot of Avs fans have been clamoring for Tanev to be brought over for a while now.

Makar would likely hit an entirely new level if he had someone defensively solid like Tanev to back him up.