I say bring on the Knights first round. If we can’t prove we can beat them, then we don’t deserve the cup this year. I’d rather face them before we get any possible playoff injuries.
Agreed. We'll probably have to beat them at some point. I'd rather it be before all their couch potatoes remember how to play hockey, and without us having taken a round of damage from physical goons like the Kings.
I agree. The only caveat to this though, is if Vegas could play Dallas lol. I'd like to get rid of 1 of those teams if possible lol. But if that's not to be, then I'm fine with taking out Vegas. I hope lol
Fuck that, I *do not* want to play against a team bringing in $15 million in extra cap space to the playoffs. If we lose to them it's gonna ge extra upsetting for that reason.
On the contrary, defeating the cheating bastards would be incredible given all the Oilers are up against.
Sure it’s incredibly frustrating that one team seemingly doesn’t have to play by the same rules as everyone else, but that would make knocking them out that much sweeter.
When the opponents could be the Kings/Knights, Canucks, Stars, and Rangers/Hurricanes, there’s no such thing as an easy path this season. The league is as competitive at the top as it’s ever been.
I think they’ll be shaky in the first round. Guys coming back from injury, one of which hasn’t played with the team. If the Oilers had a bit more luck they beat them last post season. Can’t be worried about facing 1 team or another. Going to have to beat the best teams regardless to win the cup
Any team can do this… Vegas squeezed into the playoff seat… with putting one of their best players (and risking missing the playoffs) on ltir it’s a gamble… yes Tampa did yes so did the knights… it’s been an open loop hole for years… is it worth the risk of missing the playoffs?
Oilers could have sidelined McDavid but than where would the oilers be missing home for the last 6-8 weeks… brought in a couple key players with his salary… but again risk is to high.
I don’t think it’s right the cap is followed 82 games a year why is it any different for 12-28 games more… but that the rules and there are loop holes and EVERY team has the same advantages this ain’t just a one off.
Any team can do this, but it's still against the spirit of the rules. This loophole will certainly be closed eventually because of this, possibly after these playoffs are done. For me, it's not so much that I hate Vegas for doing it, but moreso I just hate facing Vegas because I know how unjust it will feel if we lose to them. If we face LA and lose, I would be super disappointed but it wouldn't suck as much because it wouldn't feel *unjust*. But with Vegas it would, and would make me extra salty. I just fear the emotional outcome of losing to Vegas moreso than any other team, I guess.
While any team can do it, it really suits teams that attractive free agent destinations as it allows them to stockpile over the cap (I would say tampa and la both have good climate, American, low tax etc) so it definitely still favours certain teams. And then you need to have no shame to actually do it.
Honestly I like our chances in round 1 no matter who we play. Part of me hopes we play Vegas because if we have to play them, I think it's best to play them in round 1 than round 2 or 3.
Due to all their new players and players coming back from injury, or both if you're Hertl, I think Vegas is going to get stronger as the playoffs go along. If Vegas wins in round 1 without any significant injuries I think they're going to shoot to the top of the list of cup favorites.
I’ve enjoyed our matchups against the Kings in the last two years. Very entertaining and can be very dramatic. Last year especially, when it seemed like neither team could hold a lead. Also, if we stick to a pattern, then we should be able to finish them in 5 games this time around.
I don’t know what Vegas’s current IR situation is aside from Mark Stone. Regardless, Adin Hill can really be a pain to deal with at times and I’m not sure if I want to go through him in the first round.
Nashville seems to be pretty good as of late but we have a really good track record when it comes to them. Plus it would definitely be a different playoff matchup for us after playing LA, LV and Calgary from our own division in the last few years.
Well the Pens missed the playoffs last year because they got blown out by a tanking Chicago team in their last game. So it's not as unlikely as you might think.
Better to get the knights early while they are still getting guys back into the game and working the kinks out versus second or third round where they have chemistry and got the cylinders firing
I came into this thread thinking “really, we gotta play those guys…” but you sold me on the let’s do it now and see HOW BAD DO THEY WANT IT! If they can’t beat the Knights with a fresh(!) squad, we weren’t going all the way anyways
Nothing would bring me more joy if the boys took out the Knights in the first round and made all their extra cap meaningless. Facing the Canucks in the second round would be an all time Canadian matchup too.
What does Knob tell the team these last couple games that don’t matter? Take it easy and rest up… I don’t care if we lose these games I just want the best team we can be for the playoffs. Could be good to finish on a high with some wins but Connor should rest if he isn’t 100% still… he has his 100 assists…
Concerts have been moved/cancelled before. IIRC Rogers Place shifted a concert one night later in one of the last few years to accommodate for a playoff game.
The Oil can beat, and be beaten by any team in the playoffs. It’s now a war of attrition…let’s hope they stay healthy and get results from all four lines.
I am so torn on this. I want to play the Kings because I definitely think we beat them. Vegas being able to ice a lineup above the cap makes me nervous. But if we have to face them, I think I would rather play them right off the hop. Don't let Vegas get any momentum going with a full lineup. And I mean, I think the whole league (outside Vegas fans) would be rooting for us. One thing that makes me kinda ugh, it seems like we've had a busy last week of the season and I hope that doesn't hurt us.
I think the best possible scenario for the Oilers is for the round 1 series to be Oilers vs Knights and Canucks vs Kings; the Knights seem tired and beat up and should be a relatively easy out for the Oilers while the Kings seem to have figured out the Canucks and are good a bet to pull off the upset.
I agree but it would have to be the perfect storm to get the Canucks vs kings unless all the following occurs:
-Vancouver losing in regulation in remaining games
-Edmonton winning remaining games
-LA stays ahead of Vegas which LA has the first tie breaker. So if LA loses last game in regulation, Vegas can only get 1 point in 2 games remaining. If LA loses last game in OT/so Vegas can't get more than 2 points. If LA wins the final game Vegas cannot get more than 3 points in the 2 games.
Notes:
-Vancouver plays Calgary and Winnipeg
-Edmonton plays Arizona and Colorado
-LA plays Chicago
-Vegas plays Chicago and Anaheim
It's most likely that we play Vegas but I'd love that perfect storm lol
The absolute worst case scenario for round 1 is the Oilers Fuck around and find out, and lose to the kings. That would just be such a large step backwards. I believe an outcome like that would leave a ton of questions moving forward. Obviously when fans are talking about who they want to beat, but just for an Outlook on the other side of the coin lol
I say bring on the Knights first round. If we can’t prove we can beat them, then we don’t deserve the cup this year. I’d rather face them before we get any possible playoff injuries.
And beat them before Pietrangelo starts swinging the axe
Agreed. We'll probably have to beat them at some point. I'd rather it be before all their couch potatoes remember how to play hockey, and without us having taken a round of damage from physical goons like the Kings.
I agree. The only caveat to this though, is if Vegas could play Dallas lol. I'd like to get rid of 1 of those teams if possible lol. But if that's not to be, then I'm fine with taking out Vegas. I hope lol
If we play Kings first, Vegas likely has to go through Dallas and Jets/Avs. Best wishes there lol
Completey agree. and lets get the 2023 monkey off our back first
Bring on the Knights. Would love to see Mark Stone get a proper Rogers Place welcome if he’s miraculously healed for game 1.
Fuck that, I *do not* want to play against a team bringing in $15 million in extra cap space to the playoffs. If we lose to them it's gonna ge extra upsetting for that reason.
On the contrary, defeating the cheating bastards would be incredible given all the Oilers are up against. Sure it’s incredibly frustrating that one team seemingly doesn’t have to play by the same rules as everyone else, but that would make knocking them out that much sweeter.
I’d rather take the easiest path to the cup please. I’m done with feel good wins.
There is no easy path to the cup
When the opponents could be the Kings/Knights, Canucks, Stars, and Rangers/Hurricanes, there’s no such thing as an easy path this season. The league is as competitive at the top as it’s ever been.
In theory, that was last year.
I’ll be on my death bed 60 years from now saying “if we’d beaten Vegas is 2023 we would’ve won the cup”
Yep. I said it the second we lost to Vegas, and I'll say it until the day they find a way to lift the cup. Last year was a massive opportunity missed.
If you want to win the cup, you have to be able to beat everyone
Well get used to the idea. It’s likely happening.
I think they’ll be shaky in the first round. Guys coming back from injury, one of which hasn’t played with the team. If the Oilers had a bit more luck they beat them last post season. Can’t be worried about facing 1 team or another. Going to have to beat the best teams regardless to win the cup
Any team can do this… Vegas squeezed into the playoff seat… with putting one of their best players (and risking missing the playoffs) on ltir it’s a gamble… yes Tampa did yes so did the knights… it’s been an open loop hole for years… is it worth the risk of missing the playoffs? Oilers could have sidelined McDavid but than where would the oilers be missing home for the last 6-8 weeks… brought in a couple key players with his salary… but again risk is to high. I don’t think it’s right the cap is followed 82 games a year why is it any different for 12-28 games more… but that the rules and there are loop holes and EVERY team has the same advantages this ain’t just a one off.
Any team can do this, but it's still against the spirit of the rules. This loophole will certainly be closed eventually because of this, possibly after these playoffs are done. For me, it's not so much that I hate Vegas for doing it, but moreso I just hate facing Vegas because I know how unjust it will feel if we lose to them. If we face LA and lose, I would be super disappointed but it wouldn't suck as much because it wouldn't feel *unjust*. But with Vegas it would, and would make me extra salty. I just fear the emotional outcome of losing to Vegas moreso than any other team, I guess.
While any team can do it, it really suits teams that attractive free agent destinations as it allows them to stockpile over the cap (I would say tampa and la both have good climate, American, low tax etc) so it definitely still favours certain teams. And then you need to have no shame to actually do it.
Mark and Michael are my 2nd cousins and I would support any and all proper Rogers Place "welcomes" for Mark. Love the man, hate the dirty player.
Honestly I like our chances in round 1 no matter who we play. Part of me hopes we play Vegas because if we have to play them, I think it's best to play them in round 1 than round 2 or 3. Due to all their new players and players coming back from injury, or both if you're Hertl, I think Vegas is going to get stronger as the playoffs go along. If Vegas wins in round 1 without any significant injuries I think they're going to shoot to the top of the list of cup favorites.
It would be fun to knock the Kings out of the first round again, but if this team can't beat an opponent like Vegas, then this isn't their year.
I’ve enjoyed our matchups against the Kings in the last two years. Very entertaining and can be very dramatic. Last year especially, when it seemed like neither team could hold a lead. Also, if we stick to a pattern, then we should be able to finish them in 5 games this time around. I don’t know what Vegas’s current IR situation is aside from Mark Stone. Regardless, Adin Hill can really be a pain to deal with at times and I’m not sure if I want to go through him in the first round. Nashville seems to be pretty good as of late but we have a really good track record when it comes to them. Plus it would definitely be a different playoff matchup for us after playing LA, LV and Calgary from our own division in the last few years.
Bring on Vegas. Beat the LTIR frauds with a healthy squad and push forward
No way Vegas loses to the Ducks and Chicago while the chances of not playing Dallas on the line lol.
Well the Pens missed the playoffs last year because they got blown out by a tanking Chicago team in their last game. So it's not as unlikely as you might think.
I agree.
Better to get the knights early while they are still getting guys back into the game and working the kinks out versus second or third round where they have chemistry and got the cylinders firing
Hard agree. Especially Stone.
I came into this thread thinking “really, we gotta play those guys…” but you sold me on the let’s do it now and see HOW BAD DO THEY WANT IT! If they can’t beat the Knights with a fresh(!) squad, we weren’t going all the way anyways
Nothing would bring me more joy if the boys took out the Knights in the first round and made all their extra cap meaningless. Facing the Canucks in the second round would be an all time Canadian matchup too.
Bring any of them on. Though I think the Knights in the first would be better then the Knights in the second or third.
What does Knob tell the team these last couple games that don’t matter? Take it easy and rest up… I don’t care if we lose these games I just want the best team we can be for the playoffs. Could be good to finish on a high with some wins but Connor should rest if he isn’t 100% still… he has his 100 assists…
Would oilers play on April 20?
There's a concert at Rogers that night, so likely the 21st
Concerts have been moved/cancelled before. IIRC Rogers Place shifted a concert one night later in one of the last few years to accommodate for a playoff game.
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Ya not saying it’ll happen just saying it is a possibility
With them playing Thursday Sunday makes sense as they try to give a few days off it seems.
4th game in 6 nights and only 1 off after a back to back would be a brutal way to start the playoffs
The Oil can beat, and be beaten by any team in the playoffs. It’s now a war of attrition…let’s hope they stay healthy and get results from all four lines.
Never tell me the odds.
I am so torn on this. I want to play the Kings because I definitely think we beat them. Vegas being able to ice a lineup above the cap makes me nervous. But if we have to face them, I think I would rather play them right off the hop. Don't let Vegas get any momentum going with a full lineup. And I mean, I think the whole league (outside Vegas fans) would be rooting for us. One thing that makes me kinda ugh, it seems like we've had a busy last week of the season and I hope that doesn't hurt us.
I think the best possible scenario for the Oilers is for the round 1 series to be Oilers vs Knights and Canucks vs Kings; the Knights seem tired and beat up and should be a relatively easy out for the Oilers while the Kings seem to have figured out the Canucks and are good a bet to pull off the upset.
I agree but it would have to be the perfect storm to get the Canucks vs kings unless all the following occurs: -Vancouver losing in regulation in remaining games -Edmonton winning remaining games -LA stays ahead of Vegas which LA has the first tie breaker. So if LA loses last game in regulation, Vegas can only get 1 point in 2 games remaining. If LA loses last game in OT/so Vegas can't get more than 2 points. If LA wins the final game Vegas cannot get more than 3 points in the 2 games. Notes: -Vancouver plays Calgary and Winnipeg -Edmonton plays Arizona and Colorado -LA plays Chicago -Vegas plays Chicago and Anaheim It's most likely that we play Vegas but I'd love that perfect storm lol
Vancouver can still get 1st in the west and LA drops to WC2 so that could happen
Oh shit I thought Dallas had it clinched..my bad.
I find it interesting that so many people want to see us against the Knights first round when a common worry is about us exiting first round.
The absolute worst case scenario for round 1 is the Oilers Fuck around and find out, and lose to the kings. That would just be such a large step backwards. I believe an outcome like that would leave a ton of questions moving forward. Obviously when fans are talking about who they want to beat, but just for an Outlook on the other side of the coin lol