In a thrilling kick-off to the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, four Western Conference first-round matchups are set, with the Colorado Avalanche facing the Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers battling the Los Angeles Kings, Winnipeg Jets clashing with the St. Louis Blues, and the Golden Knights hosting the Minnesota Wild. The stage is set for a gripping bout between the league’s elite and the underdogs eager to cause an upset, as teams brace for the high-stakes, win-or-go-home deciding series.
Stanley Cup Playoffs Preview: Western Conference primera rango rumblings
The puck has officially dropped on hockey’s second season. Here’s a sneak peek into what’s shaping up in the Western Conference’s first-round playoff series.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars: The Gritty Griffin vs. The Slumping Star?
Season Series: Colorado owned the regular season, winning two out of three, with Dallas claiming the other two points in overtime.
Breakdown: While the Stars had a seven-game winning streak earlier hit a six-game skid. The Avalanche, meanwhile, are riding a wave of momentum that’s seen them hit the 50-win mark.
Both teams are offensively potent, ranking inside the league’s top six in scoring. But the Stars have held the advantage defensively, thanks to a league-best .907 combined team save percentage—the Avs are 18th at .891.
Expected goals data praises both teams, with Colorado, Dallas, Vegas, Tampa Bay, Edmonton, Carolina, and Washington all clustering together. Whoever can find consistent goaltending might have the edge—Colorado’s goaltenders have improved since the season’s start, while Dallas’s have struggled.
Health is another factor: the Avs will welcome back Gabriel Landeskog, while the Stars eagerly await Tyler Seguin’s return. Keep an eye on both teams’ injury reports as the series unfolds.
Edmonton Oilers at Los Angeles Kings: styles clash in the City of Angels
Season Series: The Kings swept the season series, winning three games and tying another. But their last meeting, with the Oilers missing key players, doesn’t tell the full story.
Breakdown: We’ve got a fascinating contrast here—hard-nosed defense meet Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl’s electric offense. The Kings boast the NHL’s stingiest defense, while the Oilers create scoring chances at an elite rate.
Goaltender Darcy Kuemper is a Vezina Trophy contender for the Kings, while the Oilers’ high-flying offense, powered by McDavid and Draisaitl, will challenge every halt he can muster. If the Oilers can stay healthy, McDavid and Draisaitl might be the deciding factors. But if the Kings can slow them down, their defense and Kuemper’s goaltending could steal the show.
Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues: History repeat or shaggy dog story?
Season Series: The Jets won three of four matchups, but the Blues have been a different team since hiring coach Jim Montgomery.
Breakdown: Apart from the Blues’ turnaround, this series is about the Jets—they’re simply a better team across the board. They rank higher than the Blues in goals for, goals against, power play, penalty kill, and team save percentage.
The Blues, however, are no easy out—they’re battle-tested and deep. But the Jets’ superiority in pretty much every statistical category, plus their return to full health after early-season injuries, makes them a heavy favorite.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Minnesota Wild: Underdog story or Las Vegas lights out?
Season Series: The Knights dominated the regular season, winning three games and outscoring the Wild 12-4. Jack Eichel’s hat trick in their last meeting solidified Vegas’ dominance.
Breakdown: The Knights are stacked and healthy, with elite offense and defense, and a penalty kill that could use some work. The Wild, meanwhile, are a scrappy, defensive-minded team that relies on goaltending—Filip Gustavsson has been outstanding this season.
Despite their underdog status, the Wild have what it takes to win a game or two. But Vegas’ superior talent, depth, and red-hot offense make them heavy favorites. The Knights’ chances of making a deep playoff run are high.
Did you know?
➤ The Golden Knights’ 51 regular-season wins are the most in franchise history.
➤ Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are the first Oiler duo to record 100+ points in the same season since Wayne Gretzky and Jari Kurri in 1987.
➤ Kirill "The Thrill" Kaprizov can become the first Wild player to record 50+ goals in a season.
Pro Tip
🏒 Many playoff series hinge on special teams play. Keep an eye on power play and penalty kill situations—they can often decide close games.
FAQ
Q: Which Western Conference series is the most evenly matched?
A: Edmonton Oilers vs. Los Angeles Kings. Both teams have their strengths, and both have plenty of playoff experience.
Q: Who’s the favorite to win the Western Conference?
A: Vegas Golden Knights. They’ve been dominant all season and have the most balanced roster.
Q: Which team has the most to prove in the first round?
A: Dallas Stars. Coming off a six-game losing skid, they’ll need to prove they’ve still got what it takes to compete in the playoffs.
Stay tuned for more playoff previews and breaking news only on 247Sports.News. Got a question? Drop it in the comments below, and let’s chat!