Edmonton Oilers' Biggest Rival Named Dark Horse Stanley Cup Contender
The Edmonton Oilers have beat the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the playoffs three years in a row, but this year they may be an incredibly difficult test.
According to new rankings from Scott Maxwell of Daily Faceoff, the Kings are one of four teams listed as a Stanley Cup contending team this year.
The Oilers, Hurricanes, and Devils are the other candidates. Maxwell's rankings come from looking at teams in the top ten in both expected goals for and against at 5v5, which has been a predictor of playoff success.
- Scott Maxwell, Daily Faceoff
The Kings rank as the best defensive team in the league with their even strength goals against, but are in need of some more offence.
If the Kings can add more offence to their lineup without sacrificing defensively, they would be set up to be a tough team to beat in the playoffs.
Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings set for toughest first round matchup yet
The Oilers and Kings would currently be playing in the first round of the playoffs if the season ended now, and it's very possible they'll meet for a fourth time this year.
Not only are the Kings markedly an improved team this year, actually above the Oilers in the standings by 2 points, they'll be more motivated than ever to beat Edmonton.
The Oilers should be ready to treat the first round as if it were the Cup Final. Nothing will be satisfying except a Cup win this year, and the first round is still a win or go home matchup.
Against a team that's bent on making improvements and finally getting revenge for three losses, the Oilers will have a major test to open the playoffs.
