Speculation: Which team would you rather face in the 1st round?

[A91]

Couture WILL be back but I still like our odds against SJS.
Also imagine what defeating last year's cup finalist would do for our confidence.

 

[djdub]

With Thorton going down the opponent we want is the Sharks, no question.

Even with Thorton and Couture, we match up pretty well against them.

It is looking more and more like that is the team we will face, so I'm pretty happy about that.

 

[Halibut]

With Thorton going down the opponent we want is the Sharks, no question.

Even with Thorton and Couture, we match up pretty well against them.

It is looking more and more like that is the team we will face, so I'm pretty happy about that.

I dont know how you can say who it looks like we're going to match up with. Are we finishing first and meeting them while they drop to the wild card spot or are we finishing second while they hold off the Flames for the third spot?
We could still face anybody in the Pacific.

 

[Dorian2]

I don't give a crap about how we pair up against any of the teams. I just want to beat Calgary's ass into the ice in the first round. Get them to their fancy Golf courses early Oilers!

 

[CornKicker]

i dont care who we play as long as oilers win and flames lose

 

[Jejune]

I don't give a crap about how we pair up against any of the teams. I just want to beat Calgary's ass into the ice in the first round. Get them to their fancy Golf courses early Oilers!

The excuses that would come out of Calgary fans as to why they lost would be just fascinating to read too. Reffing, injuries, McDavid, lottery luck, back up goalies, back to backs, poor travel times, hockey gods. There'd be something amazing.

But agreed, losing to Calgary would be pretty unbearable. Thankfully in Vancouver everyone has forgotten about hockey so I wouldn't have to see too much of it.

 

[iCanada]

The sharks and flames are looking like easy pickings right now.

I think a series with the ducks depends on who has home ice. If they get to another game 7 on home ice no way they lose.

 

[MoneyGuy]

The sharks and flames are looking like easy pickings right now.

I think a series with the ducks depends on who has home ice. If they get to another game 7 on home ice no way they lose.

Seriously? I hope the players don't have that same over confidence.

 

[Draiskull]

With Thorton going down the opponent we want is the Sharks, no question.

Even with Thorton and Couture, we match up pretty well against them.

It is looking more and more like that is the team we will face, so I'm pretty happy about that.

I dont know about that.. SJ's cycle game is too much for our D.
40 shots on goal last game and got 5 goals past Talbot in a game in January

Talbot will have to stand on his head if we draw SJ. All other teams in West we would be the favorite to win.

 

[RegDunlop]

I picked SJ but reading this thread has changed my mind to the Lames, makes the most sense, but losing to them would hurt.

I did the exact same!
Especially with Jumbo potentially out I think we can overtake the Sharks with TMac insider knowledge and our game. But unlike others, I don't think it will be a pushover as they will clean up thier act in time for the playoffs. Too experienced and good of a team not to.
On the other hand the Flames are just like us. Relatively inexperienced (although they have made post season more lately), but have made the playoffs seemingly off a single miracle run that is unsustainable. I like how we match up to them in every single department and can finally relish looking forward confidently to BOAs with a lot more than hope and BS bravado!
I say bring em on - sooner the better - let's gets this new BOA version going!

 

[RegDunlop]

Over the course of Mcdavids career we will probably face Calgary in the playoffs 6-7 times. We're bound to lose a few series to them during that time.

Ask Winnipeg how many times they beat us in the playoffs?

 

[cbzblaze]

Anyone but the Preds. Don't really like ducks either.
Sharks, flames or Blues would be the best matchups for us.

 

[RegDunlop]

i dont care who we play as long as oilers win and flames lose

As a bonafide severe Oiler addict from day one ground zero, I have to reaffirm with the ones who truly understand the mission of Oil Country. We all love fast hard nosed, wide open, river brand hockey with the odd fisticuff thrown in for good measure, as long as it's honest and fair. But above all of that, as Cornkicker states - we care nothing about anything else but first and foremost -

EDMONTON OILERS WIN AND
CALGARY FLAMES LOSE

All else can fall into place after that.

 

[Musashi]

The only thing I don't like about the preds is Ryan Ellis' bomb and how effective Rinne is at stopping dump ins and playing the puck. But if that's the reward we get for winning the division, so be it.

I'm at the point where every possible match up will be tough and the other western and pacific teams should be looking at us the same way.

 

[Forgot About Drai]

I dont like the Flames matchup in the first round. Too much pressure for a team that hasnt been in the playoffs in 10 years.

Can you imagine the panic if they went down 2-0 to the flames after this season. It would be brutal. Itd be the most mentally challenging of all series.

 

[MessierII]

Starting to look like the sharks. With big Joe out they're done.

 

[ujju2]

Starting to look like the sharks. With big Joe out they're done.

Great news for us, although injuries are always unfortunate.

 

[Digger12]

Starting to look like the sharks. With big Joe out they're done.

Has there been an update from the Sharks on his status?

 

[MessierII]

Has there been an update from the Sharks on his status?

Not that I've heard. Sharks are super sketchy when it comes to injury updates so I doubt they'll release anything.

 

[Game 8]

Calgary, then Toronto? One can dream!

 

[tv14]

Finish 1st and let whatever happens happen.

I like our chances against any of our likely 1st round opponents. But think we stack up best against the Flames and the Sharks are ripe for the picking.

 

[Joey Moss]

Anyone but Nashville for me.

SJS looks to be the most ideal at this point. Calgary would be a great series. I think we can take Anaheim as well.

 

[tiger_80]

If Thornton and Couture are healthy then I dont want us playing the Sharks.

any other team we would be the favorites to win against.

I think Thornton is done by the look of it. They are still a solid team even without him, though I think at this point they would be the best match.

 

[Porkleaker]

Calgary please. We'll destroy them.

 

[McGoMcD]

Give us the flames, Connor will eat them alive.