Good morning, everyone, and a happy Monday to all of you. I’ve got a fresh mailbag ready to go after taking your questions and sending them to the crew for their take on whatever is on your mind. This week, we’re discussing the Oilers and Kings, advantages for either side, wildcard teams, and more. If you’ve got a question you’d like to ask, email it to me at baggedmilk@oilersnation.com or on Twitter at @jsbmbaggedmilk, and I’ll get to you as soon as I can.
May 1, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; The Edmonton Oilers and the Los Angeles Kings shake hands after the Oilers 4-1 series win in game five of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
1) Colin asks – How, if at all, do you think Round 4 between the Oilers and Kings will differ from years past, and what is your series prediction?
Jason Gregor:
Each series is unique, even though Edmonton won the first three. I think this series will be lower scoring than the first three. In 2022, the series averaged 6.28 goals/game, then had 7.5 in 2023 and 7 in 2024 for an average of 6.88 total goals/game.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
I think we could see the hate/anomosity reach a totally different level. It’s always been heated in the past, but I think we’ll see some massive blowups during this series. On the ice, the Kings are playing a different style and I think we’ll actually see some more entertaining, back and forth games. They won’t just be trying to trap things up and contain the Oilers, they should be trying to push offense themselves.
Baggedmilk:
I think this could be the spiciest series yet. I think the Kings are going to throw the kitchen sink at Edmonton to try and avoid losing four series in a row, and I also believe it will be the toughest one yet for the Oilers to win.
Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
2) Alex asks – What advantages do you think the Oilers have over the Kings, and what advantage do the Kings have over the Oilers?
Jason Gregor:
Edmonton has better high end offensive players and their top four defence is more mobile. LA has a more consistent team defense structure which includes goaltending.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
Oilers have the high-end skill that the Kings simply can’t match. The Kings have a goalie that is more than capable of stealing a series, which is something the Oiler’s don’t have.
Baggedmilk:
The Oilers have McDavid and Draisaitl while the Kings don’t have anyone anywhere close to being that good on their roster. As for the flip side, I don’t think there’s any doubt that L.A. has been goaltending than we do. Kuemper finished the season with a .922 save percentage compared to a .894 save percentage for Skinner.
Apr 13, 2025; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Edmonton Oilers right wing Connor Brown (28) celebrates a goal against the Winnipeg Jets with Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) in the second period at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images
3) Greg asks – The Oilers finished the season at 7-3-0 in their last 10 games despite the injuries to some key pieces. What does that tell you about the Oilers who should be welcoming back some pieces for Game 1 on Monday?
Jason Gregor:
The injuries made them re-focus and be better defensively. That will help them in the playoffs and getting Draisaitl, Hyman and Walman back will help. When Kane and Frederic enter the lineup it will help their intensity and physicality.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
It tells me that some depth pieces are playing some pretty good hockey and if that can continue, then look out because this forward group will be a problem for the Kings. If the Oilers have four lines that constantly pinning the Kings in their own end, then this could actually be a short series.
Baggedmilk:
I think the opportunity to play more impactful minutes was huge for some guys who were trying to figure out how the puzzle all fits together. Sometimes you need a chance to make something happen, and having so many injuries in the back half of the year gave more guys more opportunities to turn lemons into lemonade.
Dec 21, 2024; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Ottawa Senators goalie Leevi Merilainen (1) and defenseman Nick Jensen (3) and forward Brady Tkachuk (7) and forward Nick Cousins (21) celebrate the victory against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
4) Yves asks – Which team do you consider the wildcard this year in the sense that they could go on an unexpected run to the Cup? Think Oilers in 2006 kind of thing.
Jason Gregor:
I don’t see any Wildcard team winning their series, but if I had to pick one, I’d say Ottawa. However, I don’t expect a Cinderella run from any team.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
I think the Montreal Canadiens could surprise people a bit. I also think the Leafs have a shot at going on a run, although they aren’t exactly an underdog.
Baggedmilk:
I’m going to say Ottawa because I’m a huge Brady Tkachuk fan. I think that kid rocks, plays tough, and has all the skill in the world to back it up. I’m a big Brady Tkachuk guy.
Mar 29, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; The Edmonton Oilers celebrate a goal scored by forward Victor Arvidsson (33) during the second period against the Utah Hockey Club at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
5) Brandon asks – What are your predictions for the Western and Eastern Conference Final, and who is your Stanley Cup Final matchup and winner?
Jason Gregor:
Edmonton and Colorado and Tampa v. Washington. Edmonton defeats Tampa in Final.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
Oilers over the Leafs. I want the chaos. I need the chaos.
Baggedmilk:
Edmonton vs. Colorado in the West and Tampa vs. Carolina in the East. Edmonton defeats Carolina in the Stanley Cup Final, and all is right in the universe for the first time since 2006.
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