Playoff Preview: Who Has the Edge in EDM vs. LAK?
The playoffs are almost upon us, and as of today there are two matchups confirmed (with home ice TBD). Edmonton Oilers & Los Angeles Kings should be a good matchup. But who has the edge?
Analytically, this matchup is closer than it may appear. Obviously, Connor McDavid is a massive difference maker, but playoff series seldom get decided by one player. So it is important to understand each team's style & how it matches up against the other's.
These two dumbed-down graphics show each team's rank in key areas. Off rip, Edmonton looks to be the better team. However, if LA is able to muddy up the neutral zone & slow EDM's fast offense the Oilers will have trouble. Also, consider that LA is comfortably in the playoffs with league-worst finishing. Can Edmonton compensate if LA finishes at a higher rate?
The biggest variable for Edmonton is 5v5 production; there is no question they can score on the powerplay, but they need their big guns to dominate all areas of the game, which can prove tricky against a well-structured LA team. The Kings must stay out of the box if they are going to stand a chance.
Ultimately Edmonton gets a slight edge, but this is going to be a good series.
Who do you think will win?
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 28 | 157 ANSWERS Playoff Preview: Who Has the Edge in EDM vs. LAK? Who wins this 7-game series? | ||
| Edmonton, but it's close | 42 | 26.8 % |
| Edmonton, and it's not close | 43 | 27.4 % |
| Los Angeles, but it's close | 43 | 27.4 % |
| Los Angeles, and it's not close | 29 | 18.5 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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APRIL 24, 2026
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| G | A | PTS | ||
| COMPLETE STATS | ||||
| 2025-2026 NHL STANDINGS | ||||||
| GP | W | L | OL | PTS | ||
| Sabres | 82 | 50 | 23 | 9 | 109 | |
| Lightning | 82 | 50 | 26 | 6 | 106 | |
| Canadiens | 82 | 48 | 24 | 10 | 106 | |
| Bruins | 82 | 45 | 27 | 10 | 100 | |
| Senators | 82 | 44 | 27 | 11 | 99 | |
| Red Wings | 82 | 41 | 31 | 10 | 92 | |
| Panthers | 82 | 40 | 38 | 4 | 84 | |
| Maple Leafs | 82 | 32 | 36 | 14 | 78 | |
| GP | W | L | OL | PTS | ||
| Hurricanes | 82 | 53 | 22 | 7 | 113 | |
| Penguins | 82 | 41 | 25 | 16 | 98 | |
| Flyers | 82 | 43 | 27 | 12 | 98 | |
| Capitals | 82 | 43 | 30 | 9 | 95 | |
| Blue Jackets | 82 | 40 | 30 | 12 | 92 | |
| Islanders | 82 | 43 | 34 | 5 | 91 | |
| Devils | 82 | 42 | 37 | 3 | 87 | |
| Rangers | 82 | 34 | 39 | 9 | 77 | |
| GP | W | L | OL | PTS | ||
| Avalanche | 82 | 55 | 16 | 11 | 121 | |
| Stars | 82 | 50 | 20 | 12 | 112 | |
| Wild | 82 | 46 | 24 | 12 | 104 | |
| Mammoth | 82 | 43 | 33 | 6 | 92 | |
| Blues | 82 | 37 | 33 | 12 | 86 | |
| Predators | 82 | 38 | 34 | 10 | 86 | |
| Jets | 82 | 35 | 35 | 12 | 82 | |
| Blackhawks | 82 | 29 | 39 | 14 | 72 | |
| GP | W | L | OL | PTS | ||
| Golden Knights | 82 | 39 | 26 | 17 | 95 | |
| Oilers | 82 | 41 | 30 | 11 | 93 | |
| Ducks | 82 | 43 | 33 | 6 | 92 | |
| Kings | 82 | 35 | 27 | 20 | 90 | |
| Sharks | 82 | 39 | 35 | 8 | 86 | |
| Kraken | 82 | 34 | 37 | 11 | 79 | |
| Flames | 82 | 34 | 39 | 9 | 77 | |
| Canucks | 82 | 25 | 49 | 8 | 58 | |
COMPLETE STANDINGS | ||||||