Oilers could be facing biggest rival in first round playoffs after taking first place in division
The Edmonton Oilers find themselves in first place of the Pacific division after beating the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 and could face their biggest rivals the Calgary Flames in the playoffs.
The Oilers have seen a rollercoaster of a season as it followed a similar path to last season where they had a slow start, and serious questions began to surface. The team, however, has regrouped and put together a great run to put themselves past the Vegas Golden Knights to hold the lead on the Pacific division.
Oilers may face provincial rivals in playoffs if trend holds
The current playoff trajectory in the Western Conference is showing the Colorado Avalanche and the Calgary Flames holding the final two wild card spots.
Calgary has had an incredible season considering how dire things have been with the sell off many players within the organization. The Avalanche also has changed the makeup of their team in the recent monster trade of star Mikko Rantanen.
The possibility of the flames meeting the Oilers in the first round of the playoffs would be incredible for the fan base as the rivalry is one of the deepest in the NHL and would certainly be a treat for many fans to watch.
Long Road ahead with many games left to play for Oilers
The Oilers understand that there is significant games left play as the third of the season remains with several teams behind them trying to catch up and the benefits to winning the Pacific Division.
«This is the possibility of making that road a little easier on us, whether it's shortening a series or having home ice in a Game 7 situation. We were fortunate enough to win one Game 7 on the road, but we didn't win the other one. It just helps you along the way to finish at the top.»- Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch
With the March trade deadline approaching and the Four Nations face off in February, it will be a jam-packed time for Oilers fans and hockey fans around the NHL as the schedule remains compressed and the standings could change quickly within just a few games.
It would certainly be fun to watch the Oilers and Flames go at it in round one this year.
Source: Sportsnet
'Hopefully we can run with it': Oilers grab Pacific lead with win over Sabres
