4 Possible Oilers Opponents in First Round

Caleb Kerney

Apr 11, 2024, 13:01

Caleb Kerney

Apr 11, 2024, 13:01

There are four teams that the Edmonton Oilers could face in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

EDMONTON -- The Edmonton Oilers are a lock for the playoffs.

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Many thought it wasn't possible back in late October and early November, when things looked dire. It's amazing what a coaching change and 16-game winning streak can do for a team's playoff aspirations.

Those aspirations continued last night with a 5-1 win for the Connor McDavid-less Oilers against the Vegas Golden Knights. The Oilers have five games remaining, and there are still several different ways the playoff picture can pan out. In fact, no specific match up is 100% secured yet.

The Oilers could have one of four different opponents in the first round of the playoffs. Here they are:

Los Angeles Kings

If nothing changes in the top three seeding in the Pacific Division, the Oilers will play the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the playoffs. It would be the third consecutive year that this has happened.

The Oilers wouldn't mind this, because they have had the Kings number for the first two series, why not go for three? The Kings have four games remaining and are eight points back of the Oilers.

Vegas Golden Knights

It's certainly a possibility that the Oilers could face the Golden Knights in the first round of the playoffs. Considering what happened last night and the desire to get back at the Golden Knights for their early playoff exit last year - this wouldn't be a bad thing for the Oilers.

The Oilers could play the Golden Knights in one of three ways - either the Golden Knights pass the Kings and the Oilers remain 2nd in the Pacific, the Oilers win the division and the Golden Knights get into the first wild card position, or the Oilers win the President's trophy and the Golden Knights hold onto the second wild card spot.

The Golden Knights are hanging onto their playoff hopes by a thread - as they have one team breathing down their necks who could surprise everyone and overtake the second Wild Card position.

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St. Louis Blues

Believe it or not, the St. Louis Blues are still in the mix for a playoff spot. Their fate is directly tied to the Golden Knights. The Blues currently sit with 89 points in 79 games. If they win all three games, they will have 95 points.

The Golden Knights need four points to secure a post season position. Their final four games are against the Minnesota Wild, Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks and Anaheim Ducks. Given their schedule, all they need to do is win against the Blackhawks and Ducks and the Blues will be left outside of the playoff picture - singing the blues.

Nashville Predators

If the Oilers win the Pacific Division and the Nashville Predators hold onto their first Wild Card position, they will meet in the first round of the playoffs. The Predators are seven points back of the Winnipeg Jets with only three games remaining on their schedule.

As long as they maintain their current place in the standings, they will play the winner of the Pacific Division - which will be the Vancouver Canucks or the Oilers.

The other scenario that would find them play the Oilers, is if the Oilers win the Western conference and the Predators fall to the second Wild Card spot. Realistically speaking, this outcome is much less likely than the other scenario.

It looks like there is still a lot on the line for many teams.

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