NHL makes another tough decision for scheduling of Oilers playoffs

It's always been a subject of debate of how best to schedule the west coast games in the NHL. The late start times can be a deterrent for many people to watch, and the NHL would likely profit far more from these games being played earlier in the day. Of course, many fans want to see Connor McDavid in a national time slot, not having to stay awake so late at night to watch. Even for Edmontonians, the 8:20 start is a bit later than we're accustomed to.

Fans have been complaining about the start times consistently this year and in the past, but the NHL hasn't relented or found another way to move the Oilers into an earlier time slot.

It's really an impossible situation for the league, and in reality, the Oilers really would have to wait until the Stanley Cup Finals to play a game in the national time slot at 5:00 MT. For now, the west coast teams will always play in their later time slot, which allows the eastern conference games to finish first and allows local fans to get to the game after work.

Regardless, Oilers fans and hockey fans will stay up late to watch Connor McDavid and the Oilers what looks to be the beginning of a dominant playoff run.