EXCLUSIVE: Oilers vs. Kings playoff series begins Monday; Oilers favored to extend their winning streak to four as star winger Warren Foegele switches teams!
Head-to-Head: Oilers vs. Kings Preview – Can Edmonton Sweep the Series Again?
The saga continues as the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings gear up for another playoff showdown. Can the Oilers maintain their dominance and sweep the series, or will the Kings turn the tables? Let’s break down the key aspects of this anticipated first-round playoff series.
Earlier dancers, same partners
- This marks the fourth consecutive season these Western Conference rivals meet in the postseason.
- The Oilers have won three of the previous three series, with a sweep in 2020.
- In their regular-season series this year, the Oilers took two out of three games.
Did you know? The Oilers-Kings rivalry is one of the longest-standing in the NHL, dating back to the 1980s.
On the ice: Size vs. Skill
Two contrasting trends emerge when analyzing their playstyles.
Edmonton Oilers
- Dynamic duo: Captain Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl combined for 144 points this season.
- Speed and agility: The Oilers’ roster is filled with speedy and agile players, allowing them to deploy a high-tempo game.
Los Angeles Kings
- Grit and size: The Kings boast a physically imposing roster, with forwards like Dustin Brown and Phillip Danault leading the way.
- Grinding game: L.A. relies on their strong defensive structure and gritty play to wear down opponents.
Pro tip: Keep an eye on the Oilers’ power play clicking at 27.2% efficiency, while the Kings’ penalty kill ranked seventh at 82.5%.
Coaching styles and goaltending
- Edmonton’s Dave Tippett leans on structuring his team to limit mistakes and take advantage of opponents’ miscues.
- Los Angeles’ Todd McLellan emphasizes fast-paced, north-south hockey, capitalizing on his team’s grit and physicality.
Behind the crease, Jack Campbell (Kings) and Stuart Skinner (Oilers) are young and hungry goaltenders looking to prove themselves on the big stage.
Reader question: Which coaching style will prove victorious in this series, and how will the goalies fare under pressure?
Schedule and betting odds
The series begins on Monday, April 17, with Games 1 and 2 taking place in Edmonton. The complete schedule can be found here.
Betting odds have the Edmonton Oilers favored to end the Los Angeles Kings’ season, but covering the series spread hasn’t been easy for Oilers fans in recent years.
Stacking up: How the matchup looks
In terms of goals per game (GPG), the Oilers ranked fifth with 3.57, while the Kings were 21st at 2.95. The Kings edged out the Oilers in Goals against per game (GAA) with 2.74 compared to 2.98.
Warren Foegele: A familiar face in a new jersey
Former Oilers forward Warren Foegele now dons a Kings jersey. After being traded to Edmonton mid-season, Foegele will face his former teammates in the playoffs, adding an intriguing subplot to this series.
FAQs
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What are the odds for this series?
According to TSN, the Oilers are favored to win the series. - When do the games start?
The series begins on Monday, April 17. The complete schedule can be found here.
Which team will rise to the occasion?
As the puck drops on Monday night, one question remains: Can the Edmonton Oilers sweep the Los Angeles Kings yet again, or will the Kings stage an upset? The stage is set for an thrilling playoff battle.
*iosamente
*Click here for inside analysis of key matchups that could decide this series.
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