As the NHL season progresses towards the playoffs, the landscape of contenders is largely established, with only a few teams still vying for a coveted spot. The Eastern Conference’s wild-card positions, perhaps only one, remain the subject of intense competition. Therefore, considering current team rosters, potential trades, and recent performance trends, it’s worthwhile to speculate on the final playoff picture in a couple of months. This exercise is not simply a reflection of current matchups but rather a projection of how the playoff field might ultimately appear.
Bleacher Report recently released their 1st round predictions. They are guessing the Los Angeles Kings will take on the Edmonton Oilers
For the Los Kings and their fans, this scenario may evoke a sense of déjà vu. The Kings have faced the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the playoffs for the past three years, each time falling to their Pacific Division rivals. The question remains: will the fourth encounter finally break this pattern?
Can The Los Angeles Kings Get Over The Hump and Beat The Edmonton Oilers?
The Los Angeles Kings have demonstrated a winning brand of hockey, maintaining their reputation as a tenacious defensive team—a feat made even more impressive by the extended absence of Drew Doughty and the departure of Matt Roy in free agency. However, the team still requires a high-impact goal scorer to elevate them from playoff participants to genuine Stanley Cup contenders. Acquiring such a player could significantly alter their trajectory.
With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on their roster, the Edmonton Oilers will always be a team with a chance to contend. However, their success cannot solely rest on the shoulders of these two stars. The Oilers still have vulnerabilities in the depth of their lineup, as well as lingering questions regarding their defense and goaltending. Therefore, it will be crucial for the team’s management to make strategic acquisitions before the trade deadline. Despite these challenges, the division remains competitive and within reach, offering the Oilers a viable path to the playoffs.