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Scouting the playoff race: Edmonton Oilers

A familiar foe of the Vegas Golden Knights, the Edmonton Oilers have tons of star power. But can the Golden Knights foil them again?

By Jacob Walters |
Edmonton Oilers v Vegas Golden Knights
Edmonton Oilers v Vegas Golden Knights / Ethan Miller/GettyImages
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Picture this. Last season, the Vegas Golden Knights and the Edmonton Oilers met in the Western Conference Semifinals. Evander Kane is instigating the entire team, specifically Alex Pietrangelo. The left winger is blowing kisses to the Golden Knights crowd, strategically messing with the Golden Knights.

Why? Because the Edmonton Oilers had a lethal power play (32.4% in 2022-23, best in the NHL). Forcing the Golden Knights to lose their composure would lead to more man advantages, where Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl would cook. In essence, they did exactly that, scoring six combined power goals in the series.

However, the Vegas Golden Knights would get the last laugh, winning the series, 4-2. The rest is history as the Golden Knights won their first Stanley Cup. But both teams are on a collision course to meet in the playoffs again. Will things change this time, or will they stay the same?

1. The case for the Edmonton Oilers

Anaheim Ducks v Edmonton Oilers
Anaheim Ducks v Edmonton Oilers / Lawrence Scott/GettyImages

Connor McDavid (29 goals, 96 assists) and Leon Draisaitl (38 goals, 60 assists). Those two names alone can wreak havoc on any team, racking up goals quickly. Having the two best players in the world gives the Edmonton Oilers a chance against any team, including the Vegas Golden Knights.

But it hasn't just been McDavid and Draisaitl that have been the driving force for Edmonton. Winger Zach Hyman's having an incredible season, scoring 52 goals this season. Defenseman Evan Bouchard has also flown under the radar, chipping in 60 assists.

With new pieces like Adam Henrique and Corey Perry in the lineup, the Oilers are more well-rounded regarding scoring. Also, Edmonton still has a lethal power play, ranking second in the NHL in this category (27.8%). If the Vegas Golden Knights aren't careful, McDavid and Draisaitl will burn them again, along with Edmonton's other pieces.

2. The case against the Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton Oilers v Vegas Golden Knights
Edmonton Oilers v Vegas Golden Knights / Ethan Miller/GettyImages

While the Edmonton Oilers have one of the league's best power plays, their penalty kill is average. This season, the Oilers rank 15th in killing penalties at 79.7%. Yes, the Vegas Golden Knights haven't had much success with the power play in the past couple of months. However, the postseason stakes are higher, with penalties becoming more costly.

There's also fear that the Oilers will fall short in the playoffs again. It happened last season against these same Golden Knights and it happened the year before against the eventual Stanley Cup champions, the Colorado Avalanche. In fact, it's become a trend for the Oilers in recent years:

  • 2022-23 against the Vegas Golden Knights (lost 4-2 in the Western Conference Semifinals)
  • 2021-22 against the Colorado Avalanche (swept out of the Western Conference Finals)
  • 2020-21 against the Winnipeg Jets (swept out of the first round)
  • 2019-20 against the Chicago Blackhawks (lost 3-1 in the Stanley Cup qualifier)
  • 2018-19: Missed playoffs
  • 2017-18: Missed playoffs

Granted, Jay Woodcroft is gone and Edmonton has more depth. However, if the Oilers bow out prematurely, there will be questions about whether this team is truly built for the postseason.

3. The verdict

Las Vegas Golden Knights v Edmonton Oilers
Las Vegas Golden Knights v Edmonton Oilers / Lawrence Scott/GettyImages

It's going to be tough for the Vegas Golden Knights to pass the Edmonton Oilers in the Pacific Division. Edmonton is up by four points and has two games in hand. Therefore, the Golden Knights will probably face the Oilers and not have home-ice advantage.

But that doesn't mean the Vegas Golden Knights can't beat the Edmonton Oilers. The Golden Knights improved their team at the trade deadline and the new pieces are gelling. They're also familiar with how the Oilers play, even with added pieces and a new head coach in Kris Knoblauch. Yes, this Edmonton team will be much tougher than last season's version. But if the Golden Knights play to their strengths with their scoring depth and forecheck, they should win the potential series.

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