It’s clinching season in the NHL, as the time for teams to clinch a playoff berth is upon us. Some teams are playing out their schedule and playing spoiler, while other teams jostle for position in the playoff bracket. Fans of contenders are eager to clinch a spot and to know who their team will be matching up against. The Edmonton Oilers, for example, have a few different options when it comes to first round matchups; some familiar, some untested, all difficult.
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When looking at all the possibilities for Edmonton, it’s important to keep in mind how they match up against each potential opponent and who they would want to see first (and who they wouldn’t want to see). We dive into that, looking at the three most likely teams the Oilers could see in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Best Odds: Los Angeles Kings
It has become a guaranteed playoff matchup at this point for the Oilers and LA Kings. These two teams have met in the first round each of the last three years as the two and three seeds in the Pacific Division. Edmonton has been victorious all three times, winning in 2022 in seven games, 2023 in six games, and 2024 in five games. While there is a running joke that the two teams have to meet this year so the Oilers can sweep them, something like that is highly unlikely. The Kings are a good team that continues to battle the Oilers for position in the Pacific Division, so a matchup between these two will be tight.
Despite what will likely be a tight series, Edmonton would still be favoured to win, and for good reason. They have a winning record against the Kings in each of the past four seasons, including a 6-2 record at Crypto.com Arena in the playoffs combined the last three seasons. So on top of having an overwhelming home ice advantage, they can get the job done on the road as well. The Oilers also will be getting some major pieces back as the season winds down and at the beginning of the playoffs. Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Evander Kane, and Trent Frederic are all expected to be healthy at some point either before the season ends or during the playoffs. Those are some serious weapons who have had some success against the Kings in the past. So don’t expect a sweep, but Edmonton should be the favourites if this series comes back for part four.
Seven Game Minimum: Minnesota Wild
A playoff matchup that the NHL has never seen before is a real possibility given the standings at the moment in the NHL. The Minnesota Wild have not been a regular participant in the playoffs over their history, however, they are on track to clinch a spot in the big show this year. They are firmly in the top wild card spot in the Western Conference, meaning they would face off against the second-best team in the conference, which will likely be the winner of the Pacific Division given Winnipeg’s big season in the Central. And so if Edmonton can pull ahead of the Vegas Golden Knights before the end of the season, it would mean a date with the Wild in Round 1.
While a series like this would typically mean the Oilers are the favourites, there are some things to consider. Edmonton has been known to struggle against Minnesota over the years, specifically playing at the Xcel Energy Center. There’s no rhyme or rhythm as to why, they just have a tough time winning in that building. With an all-time record of 19-27-6 (and one tie), it’s safe to say they would rather not go there; add a playoff crowd on top of their road struggles, and it could get ugly.
Now let’s look on the bright side. Edmonton has won two of three matchups this season against the Wild, including a dominant 7-1 victory on the road back in December. They would also be hosting four of the seven potential games in the series, so a raucous Oil Country crowd would be of great assistance. This is a series that would no doubt be a trying battle and bring us some things we haven’t seen before. For the sake of TV ratings, this would be a great option.
Dig In, Right Now: Colorado Avalanche
Speaking of TV ratings, McDavid, Draisaitl, Nathan MacKinnon, and Cale Makar all on the same ice surface for a minimum of four games sounds good. This matchup is least likely to happen, however crazier things have happened. The Avalanche have a firm hold on third place in the Central Division, while Edmonton still trails the Golden Knights for the Pacific Division lead. Both of these things would need to change to line up a 2022 Western Conference Final rematch.
If these two teams were to meet each other, it would certainly be a battle of star power. However, it would be the Avalanche that would have the edge in this matchup. Looking at their current lineup, it is clear that their forward depth is much stronger than Edmonton’s. They have developed great talent over the years, as well as acquired depth at the deadline. They would also have the upper hand in net as well. Mackenzie Blackwood is having a stellar year in net after being acquired via trade earlier this season, while the Oilers have had a few bumps in the road when it comes to goaltending. A series like this would be a bit of an uphill battle for them.
It’s not all bad for Edmonton though. They arguably have stronger defensive depth than Colorado at this point. With the acquisitions of John Klingberg and Jake Walman, they have added to a good veteran group. And a solid blue line will be needed to shut down a deep four-line team from Denver. Additionally, like the other options, they would be the hosts in this series. Having that advantage is bigger than one would think, especially for the Oilers.
There is still time to determine a first round matchup for Edmonton, with a lot to consider for each option. Who knows, one thing could lead to another in the wild card race and we could see the Battle of Alberta in Round 1; wouldn’t that be fun? The Oilers control their destiny, every game now is critical as time runs out on the season.
