Playoffs 2022-23 WCQF: Oilers vs. Kings

[Morphinity 2.0]

(2P) Edmonton Oilers vs. (3P) Los Angeles Kings

Mon., April 17: Kings at Oilers, 10:00 p.m. ET, ESPN, CBC, SN, TVAS, BSW

Wed., April 19: Kings at Oilers, 10:00 p.m. ET, ESPN, CBC, SN, TVAS, BSSC

Fri., April 21: Oilers at Kings, 10:00 p.m. ET, TNT, CBC, SN, TVAS, BSSC

Sun., April 23: Oilers at Kings, 900 p.m. ET, TBS, CBC, SN, TVAS, BSSC

Tue., April 25: Kings at Oilers, TBA

Sat., April 29: Oilers at Kings, TBA

Mon., May 1: Kings at Oilers, TBA

REGULAR SEASON STANDINGS:

Oilers: 50-23-9, 108 points

Kings: 47-25-10, 104 points

SEASON SERIES:

EDM 2-2-0; LAK 2-2-0

 

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GAME BREAKERS:

Oilers: McDavid had the best offensive season by a player in 27 years. He won the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL scoring leader with 153 points (64 goals, 89 assists) and the Rocket Richard Trophy for most goals. He could win his third Hart Trophy voted as the NHL most valuable player and fourth Ted Lindsay Award presented to most outstanding player as voted by members of the NHL Players' Association. Though the Stanley Cup has eluded the Oilers captain, he now has a supporting cast around him and does not have to win games on his own, which was the case in his four previous playoff appearances. He will be difficult to contain.  

 

Kings: Anze Kopitar is a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Kings (2012, 2014). The captain is one of the few remaining players from the championship years and is still the offensive leader. The 35-year-old had 74 points (28 goals, 46 assists) this season, surpassing his totals from each of the previous four. He will also be relied on to keep the Oilers' high-powered offense in check and expected to match up against Draisaitl (128 points; 52 goals, 76 assists) as much as possible. His leadership will be relied on heavily if the Kings are going to pull off the upset.

 

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GOALTENDING:

Oilers: Stuart Skinner is in his first full season with the Oilers and won the starting job ahead of Jack Campbell, who Edmonton signed as an unrestricted free agent July 13, 2022. The 24-year-old was selected by the Oilers in the third round (No. 78) of the 2017 NHL Draft. He broke a team record for most wins by a rookie goalie (29-14-5), previously held by Grant Fuhr (28-5-14) in 1981-82. Skinner had a 2.75 goals-against average, .914 save percentage and one shutout. He's 14-1-1 in his past 16 starts and has not given up more than a goal in his previous four. Prior to joining the Oilers, Skinner played for Bakersfield of the American Hockey League and Wichita of the ECHL and won a Western Hockey League championship with Swift Current in 2018. If he struggles or is injured, the Oilers could turn to Campbell, the projected starter at the beginning of the season. Campbell struggled with consistency, going 21-9-4 with a 3.41 GAA, .888 save percentage and one shutout. 

 

Kings: Joonas Korpisalo was acquired in a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 1. He was 7-3-1 with a 2.13 GAA, .921 save percentage and one shutout in 11 starts for Los Angeles, which traded two-time Cup winner Jonathan Quick for the 28-year-old. Quick, 37, was 11-13-4 with a 3.50 GAA, .876 save percentage and one shutout before being traded to Columbus and then sent to the Vegas Golden Knights. With Korpisalo, the Kings upgraded their goaltending and brought in a reliable partner for Pheonix Copley, a 31-year-old who was 24-6-3 with a 2.64 GAA, .903 save percentage and one shutout. Korpisalo and Copley alternated starts toward the end of the season, and Los Angeles is comfortable with either one. 

 

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X FACTORS:

Oilers: Evander Kane could be a major factor in the length of Edmonton's playoff run. The forward was limited to 41 games because of injury and had 28 points (16 goals, 12 assists). He provides a physical presence and adds secondary scoring. Last season, Kane had 17 points (13 goals, four assists) in 15 playoff games to help the Oilers reach the Western Conference Final. The key for him is providing a physical element without crossing the line and giving the Kings power-play opportunities.  

 

Kings: Danault should line up against McDavid for most of the series, more so when the Kings have the last change on home ice. He helped check McDavid early in the series last season but was unable to contain him for the duration of it. Danault is an excellent two-way center and will be expected to contribute offensively. He had 54 points (18 goals, 36 assists) this season and the Kings will need him to score if Fiala and Vilardi are sidelined. The series may be determined by how well Danault plays.

 

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WILL WIN IF:

Oilers: They play a patient game and not give up chances on the rush looking to generate offense. The Oilers averaged nearly four goals per game (3.96), which should be enough for them to advance. They will need to avoid injuries, particularly on defense, where they lack depth and will be relying on young players Evan Bouchard, 23, Philip Broberg, 21, and rookie Vincent Desharnais, 26.  

 

Kings: They can be physical without taking penalties. They do not have enough offense to keep up with the Oilers and need to play strong defensively and limit the number of chances against. Korpisalo must have a good series and the Kings need to make the most of its power-play opportunities. Kopitar may see a lot of the Oilers' top two lines and must be strong at both ends of the ice. 

 

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MORE:

https://www.nhl.com/news/2023-nhl-playoffs-edmonton-vs-los-angeles-1st-round-preview/c-343593198?tid=343453194

[Phil]

Nearly went sweep here, too, but I'll give the Kings one. Good team. Gonna be a contender next season, but they can't contain Edmonton.

[Kevin]

I still don't think Edmonton will be able to beat Colorado, but I think they're better than everyone else out West.  

[Valriera]

Well looks like it’s same old Edmonton here vs same old LA so far

[Sharpshooter]

I woke up only to see the score and am not happy! A blown game one on home ice!? The Kings are good, but c'mon. These are long series, but not a great way to begin it. 

[BrooksBurner]

Never change Oilers

[Sharpshooter]

Huge win last night for Edmonton. Great comeback! That was pretty much a must win for them. Fun game. Korpisalo has to stop that shot in overtime, though.

[Valriera]

Just terrible goaltending there lol