Edmonton Oilers Face Disadvantage in Battle to Win Division and Home Ice in Playoffs
The Edmonton Oilers entered the season with a goal to secure home ice through the playoffs, and they're facing an uphill battle with a slight schedule disadvantage.
Heading into this year, the Oilers were projected to be the first place team in the NHL, and favourites to win the Stanley Cup. Now, the Vegas Golden Knights look to have a lock on the Pacific Division.
Vegas is a legitimate cup contender that's had sustained regular season success this year. However, Oilers analyst Jason Gregor is raising a factor that could give Vegas an edge to close out the division - a weaker remaining schedule.
The Golden Knights currently have a 7 point lead on the Oilers in the standings, the two teams only play each other once more this year, which doesn't give Edmonton much to swing the tide.
However, Edmonton has more games remaining against bottom feeding Pacific teams like Seattle, Calgary, and Anaheim. Other than that though, Vegas has the second easiest remaining schedule in the league.
It's a minor disadvantage, as according to Tankathon, the Oilers strength of schedule is only two ranks higher than Vegas. Both Vegas and Edmonton have two of the easiest remaining schedules.
Vegas Golden Knights Favoured To Win Division, Home Ice Advantage Over Edmonton Oilers
This team was able to put together a 16 game win streak last season, so it's never out of the question they could go on a run to take back control of the division.
Still, it's very unlikely, and they should look at the reasons why they may have lost out to Vegas to improve their team come playoff time.
The Oilers offence underperformed early on but has begun to pick up again, and the defence has played well above expectations. There could still be an add to defence, but more analysts are suggesting a move to address their bottom 10 goaltending results.
Even though the Golden Knights are favourites to win the Pacific Division this year, the Edmonton Oilers still have better odds to win the Stanley Cup.
They may face an uphill battle in the playoffs without the home ice advantage of Oil Country, but Edmonton should be fully prepared and motivated for when the springtime comes.
More details and analysis to come.
