dont forget, the Oilers also needed McDavid to play 27 minutes in game 7 to win...

I think the Flames have a better goalie than LA, better and more experienced Defense than LA, and a more potent offense than LA.
- stefano76

If McDavid did what he did, but Smith wasn't exceptional, the Oilers lose.

If McDavid did what he did, but Smith wasn't exceptional, the Oilers lose.
- Squeaky

I agree, Smith is the X factor in this series. We know that McD will be involved in a couple of goals each game. Not sure the Flames can shut him down.

If Smith melts down, which we all know he is capable of, then this is a short series. As Kevin brings up in the article expect the Flames to get some really good looks from the slot.
If Smith keeps playing the way he has, Edmonton takes the series. Flames need to get more than two goals per game. It all depends on Smith.

Edmonton's Achilles Heal is giving up the first goal and starting games flat with little or no motivation. If they play that way against the Flames it will be a short series.

Both teams struggled against "subpar opponents" in the first round.
- Reveen

Overall, I wouldn't say the Flames struggled at all. They had two games above fifty shots in regulation...

They did struggle to score at times, but Dallas' defense and overall team defense is vastly superior to the Oilers.

Edmonton's could win the series if McDavid takes over, or the Flames run into penalty trouble, both of which could happen.

BTW Edmonton was playing a glorified AHL team without their best defenseman and a quality winger. The Flames beat the Stars who were largely the same team that went to the cup final, with the major difference being an upgrade in goal.

The Flames didn't struggle. If they weren't on the opposite end of one of the best playoff goalie performances ever, they would've won in 5.
- Squeaky

They took the Flames to 7 games... so yes the team struggled to put away Dallas.

BTW Edmonton was playing a glorified AHL team without their best defenseman and a quality winger. The Flames beat the Stars who were largely the same team that went to the cup final, with the major difference being an upgrade in goal.
- Nodwell17

What? A glorified AHL team that finished in the top half of the standings, above Dallas, and played the majority of the year without their best defenceman. Your bar's a little high. A glorified AHL team also made the finals last year.

Overall, I wouldn't say the Flames struggled at all. They had two games above fifty shots in regulation...

They did struggle to score at times, but Dallas' defense and overall team defense is vastly superior to the Oilers.

Edmonton's could win the series if McDavid takes over, or the Flames run into penalty trouble, both of which could happen.

BTW Edmonton was playing a glorified AHL team without their best defenseman and a quality winger. The Flames beat the Stars who were largely the same team that went to the cup final, with the major difference being an upgrade in goal.
- Nodwell17

Whatever you need to tell yourself to sleep better at night.

Someone on here sure post a lot like Hunkelese! Who might it be? Hmmmm?

What? A glorified AHL team that finished in the top half of the standings, above Dallas, and played the majority of the year without their best defenceman. Your bar's a little high. A glorified AHL team also made the finals last year.
- Squeaky

Regular season standings don't mean sh*t, its evidenced year after year. Maybe a glorified AHL team was a stretch.

My point was the Kings are extremely young and have little experience, and would have been handled more easily by any other western conference opponent.

Whatever you need to tell yourself to sleep better at night.
- Reveen

I'm sleeping great. I have watched EDM's team defense all year and they give up a ridiculous amount of chances, which is not sustainable.

Win or lose the series, the Oilers aren't winning the cup.

I'm sleeping great. I have watched EDM's team defense all year and they give up a ridiculous amount of chances, which is not sustainable.

Win or lose the series, the Oilers aren't winning the cup.
- Nodwell17

If they do you should probably down a big bowl or tide pods and bleach.

oh the (frank)ing excuses
- Reveen

actually, not excuses... Edmonton was heavily favoured especially considering how the teams performed down the stretch. After games 2 and 3, it was obvious that the Kings were no match. Not sure what happened after game 3, but the Oilers should have won in 5 or 6 at the most. No way that series should have gone 7.

Good luck to Edmonton in round 2 vs Calgary