Doughty has been out half the season and of the 8 other main defenseman, only 3 have played more than 2 seasons and 3 of the 8 are rookies so let's get that right. Rookies and younger players are prone to mistakes but the fact that this team ended up 10 in the league on defense is miraculous and it's owed in part to the system in place. It hasn't been mentioned but I don't think the pressure to at least advance a few rounds for the Oilers can be overlooked. The Kings have nothing to lose and had an unbelievably high amount of comeback wins in the 3rd period this season as well. They also were a better road team than home team so all I'm going to say is let's wait and see how things go. Emphasize the Post-series talk over the Preview when all is said and done

Doughty has been out half the season and of the 8 other main defenseman, only 3 have played more than 2 seasons and 3 of the 8 are rookies so let's get that right. Rookies and younger players are prone to mistakes but the fact that this team ended up 10 in the league on defense is miraculous and it's owed in part to the system in place. It hasn't been mentioned but I don't think the pressure to at least advance a few rounds for the Oilers can be overlooked. The Kings have nothing to lose and had an unbelievably high amount of comeback wins in the 3rd period this season as well. They also were a better road team than home team so all I'm going to say is let's wait and see how things go. Emphasize the Post-series talk over the Preview when all is said and done
- Joetaylor0009

This is very insightful and frankly worries me a bit.

I do however think that the young Oilers stars learned something in the CHI playoff loss. Hopefully Draisaitl and McDavid learned how to grab another gear and play an actual 200ft game in the playoffs...it's a completely different game. The Oilers are one of, if not THE, softest teams and easiest to play against in the entire NHL. Hopefully that is history and this playoff season they turn the page. It seems that Drai has learned to play D a lot better, and McDavid has been spotted in his own zone a few more times in the past few months...

Going up against Kopitar and Danault for 6or7 games is going to be a challenge for sure.

This is very insightful and frankly worries me a bit.

I do however think that the young Oilers stars learned something in the CHI playoff loss. Hopefully Draisaitl and McDavid learned how to grab another gear and play an actual 200ft game in the playoffs...it's a completely different game. The Oilers are one of, if not THE, softest teams and easiest to play against in the entire NHL. Hopefully that is history and this playoff season they turn the page. It seems that Drai has learned to play D a lot better, and McDavid has been spotted in his own zone a few more times in the past few months...

Going up against Kopitar and Danault for 6or7 games is going to be a challenge for sure.
- JLO961

I could totally seeing that being a reality. The comeback similar to Tampa being swept and ultimately embarrassed by Columbus in the first round then were motivated and came back to win the Cup the next year. That could be an X Factor to be honest. Kopitar and Danault matching up against McDavid and Draisitel. I mean Montreal in no way makes it to the Cup final last year without Danault shutting down the other teams stars along the way. I'm just stoked we're in the playoffs again and it should be a closer series then I think some are giving it credit. I believe the Kings were the highest team in the league in playing one goal games so always keeping it close. I just hope it's a close one and we'll see come NMonday night !

Well they should win this round. They have the easiest match up in all of round 1.
- TurdFergeson

Well they should win this round. They have the easiest match up in all of round 1.
- TurdFergeson

No, that would be Calgary.

No, that would be Calgary.
- Oildrum