With the new NHL division system, there is an increased importance on divisional games. The way the Pacific division and Western Conference are looking right now means that to get into the playoffs, the Oilers will need to be top 3 in the Pacific division. I'm not even going to include wild card spots because of the current strength of the Central division, it could almost be harder.
In the Pacific, I see it as a 4 team race for 3 spots. Calgary, Phoenix, and Anaheim are effectively non-issues, so the race is looking to be LA, San Jose, Vancouver and Edmonton fighting for the top 3 spots in the Pacific.
Essentially all we need to do to get into the post season is win all the season series against our divisional rivals (one reason the Flames made it last year is because they dominated us so bad). All the games we have lost so far have been to teams in other divisions, or other conferences, and are thus very minimal in damage to the standings. As it stands right now we are up 1-0 on Vancouver, and split 1-1 with Calgary (should be 2-0, but at the same time, they are definitely finishing below us so I'm not to worried about it).
If we win every series against our divisonal rivals, we're in. And luckily Todd McLellan is a California coach, and knows how to beat teams in this division because he has played against them so often.
I think we have a real shot at this, boys.
In the Pacific, I see it as a 4 team race for 3 spots. Calgary, Phoenix, and Anaheim are effectively non-issues, so the race is looking to be LA, San Jose, Vancouver and Edmonton fighting for the top 3 spots in the Pacific.
Essentially all we need to do to get into the post season is win all the season series against our divisional rivals (one reason the Flames made it last year is because they dominated us so bad). All the games we have lost so far have been to teams in other divisions, or other conferences, and are thus very minimal in damage to the standings. As it stands right now we are up 1-0 on Vancouver, and split 1-1 with Calgary (should be 2-0, but at the same time, they are definitely finishing below us so I'm not to worried about it).
If we win every series against our divisonal rivals, we're in. And luckily Todd McLellan is a California coach, and knows how to beat teams in this division because he has played against them so often.
I think we have a real shot at this, boys.
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