It’s a western showdown between two Pacific Division rivals who haven’t met in the postseason
since 1992, when the Oilers eliminated the Canucks, 4-2 in the divisional round. More than
three decades later they meet again with big stakes on the line, a trip to the Conference Finals.
Oilers Dynamic Duo
For the past few years the Oilers have relied heavily on their two big stars, Connor McDavid and
Leon Draisaitl. And sure enough, this dynamic duo led the way against the Kings as McDavid
registered a goal and 11 assists, while Draisaitl potted in five goals and added five assists. They
sit 1-2 in playoff scoring. In fact, there are four Oilers in the top-10, Evan Bouchard (9pts) and
Zack Hyman (8pts). But this team will count on that duo against the Canucks and looking at
their history vs Vancouver, don’t be surprised if we see even more points from McDavid and
Draisaitl. In 45 career games, the German star has 22 goals, 30 assists while McDavid has 23
goals, 41 assists in 40 games. If the Canucks can’t find an answer to stop them, this could be a
very short series.
In Silovs we Trust
It took the Canucks 6 hard fought games, and three different goalies to finally get back the
stubborn Predators. Thatcher Demko, is still out, and could be back midway through this series.
Casey DeSmith played well against the Oilers this season, three appearances, two wins,
allowed just 4 games, and stopped 74 of 78 shots, a .948 save percentage. But it appears the
crease will belong to Artus Silovs to at least start the series, and possibly even longer. Rick
Tocchet has faith in his rookie and the way Silovs sparkled against Nashville, you can’t blame
the coach. The Oilers haven’t faced the Latvian and that could throw a wrinkle into their plans.
Special, Special Teams
How do you stop the Oilers power play? Talk about special, that’s exactly what this unit has
been. Edmonton was fourth overall in the regular season but are number one in the playoffs
(45%) scoring 9 of 22 goals vs Los Angeles with the man advantage. Between Draisaitl,
McDavid and Bouchard, the trio have 21 combined power play points through just 5 games.
But the Canucks penalty kill has been solid in the playoffs (90%), but the goal will be simple,
stay out of the penalty box, or pay a major power play price.
SERIES ODDS
Edmonton Oilers -245
Vancouver Canucks +205
SEASON SERIES
The Canucks swept the four games with three wins coming early in the season when the Oilers
were sputtering. And in the final game in April, Connor McDavid did sit out. Still, can’t take
away the wins from Vancouver but this Edmonton side looks much different than all of those
games.
Oct. 11, 2023 Oilers 1 Canucks 8
Oct. 14, 2023 Canucks 4 Oilers 3
Nov. 6, 2023 Oilers 2 Canucks 6
Apr. 13, 2024 Canucks 3 Oilers 1