Nation Thoughts: Expectations for the postseason
1 year ago
The postseason has been tricky for the Oilers the last couple of years. Last season was a disappointing one after getting swept by the Winnipeg Jets. Getting swept was not the exact representation of how the series went. Three of the games went to the overtime, and the Oilers were rather unfortunate.
The 2019-20 playoff elimination to the Chicago Blackhawks was much worse. Losing in four games to a team that shouldn’t have been in the playoffs was embarrassing. Now, the time for redemption begins for the Edmonton Oilers.
Tomorrow, the puck drops at Rogers Place for game one of their first-round series against the LA Kings. Expectations are high for the Oilers, but should they be? What has this team proved in the last two seasons to assume that they will breeze through the Kings?
Let’s look at what The Nation thinks of the Oiler and what their postseason expectations should be.
A simple message from Scott and Maplejed. Just win, baby!
If the Oilers go head-to-head with Calgary in round two, I can only imagine what the two cities will be like. It’s a series we’ve all wanted to see the last couple of years and now it might finally happen.
I am with Eric on this one. The second round needs to be the minimum expectation for this team.
2017 was the last time Edmonton made it to the second round. They lost in seven games to the Anaheim Ducks, and when you look back at it, they should have gone to the Western Conference Finals.
I think this team has enough to make it to the conference finals for the first time since the 2006 cup run. However, Mikko Koskinen and Mike Smith need to be the difference makers. Without those two playing at their best, the Oilers won’t be able to compete. Perhaps that’s a harsh assessment, but we’ve seen what happens when this team can’t get a save.
Edmonton should be able to take care of business in the first round against LA. I don’t think it will be a sweep, but I could see them winning in six games. The Kings will be without Drew Doughty but let’s not underestimate them.
In the second round is where they could face the Calgary Flames.
My gut feeling is the Oilers can beat the Flames. The biggest reason is that the rivalry will bring another level of intensity that skill won’t factor in as much as it should. Of course, If the Oilers lose to the Flames, we’ll all be upset; however, I wouldn’t call the season a disappointment.
Before we get ahead of ourselves, getting out of the first round needs to be the first objective for the Oilers.
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