I think the Oilers could do some damage in the playoffs.
I dont think they are a favourite though. I think its more likely that Colorado, St. Louis or Vegas come out but I do think they could beat any of those teams. St. Louis is probably the worst matchup imo.
From reading through various media outlets about the Oilers I think they get a few things wrong about the Oilers.
- I really think they underestimate the Draisaitl, Nugent-Hopking and Yamamoto line. They talk about individual players but this line as a whole for the most part is the best line on the ice the majority of nights. They have dominated many games. Each player brings different elements that make the line difficult to play against.
- McDavid hasnt had much for linemates this year and especially not since the creation of the Draisaitl line. He had some chemistry with Kassian but between the suspensions and all the drama, he hasnt been playing or on his game for awhile. If McDavid has any kind of chemistry with AA or Ennis, the Oilers become a very dangerous team. Stopping the Draisaitl line is difficult, and then containing McDavid is difficult and if he actually has chemistry and better players to play with (even if its a slight upgrade) it will be very tough for opposing teams.
- Archibald and Sheahan have been great this year and lately been playing tougher matchups due to injuries. Once (if) the Oilers get healthy, this line will get properly slotted against who they should be playing. Its a tough matchup for other teams.
- This team has had to overcome adversity this year through a lot of injuries and it should make better in the long run. They have been playing hard lately. They have some will to go with the skill.
- Probably the biggest one is their special teams. Both their PP and PK are awesome. They have won a ton of games this year simply by having better special teams than the other team.
- I think their defense gets underrated a bit. Its not elite or anything but a lot of people think its trash. A lot of people dont realize how good Bear has been this year. Now Jones is coming on. Nurse and Klefbom are good players. Larsson has really picked it up since the all star break and I think his game will shine in the playoffs assuming hes not overly hurt. He is mean and is really good at breaking other teams cycles. They have a pretty good amount of depth on defense.
- Their goaltending is probably the biggest uneasiness for me. Smith/Koskinen have been above average so far. I think Smiths game should improve once we get out of 3 on 3, shootouts etc and the games tighten up. Koskinen has upped his game a lot from last year. I think their goaltending could go either way in the playoffs.
