Sean Maloughney: Round 2 Game 1: Oilers vs Golden Knights - A Tough Opponent

I don't think Vegas has better depth than LA. It's similar. Better group of d-men. But no shut-down centers like Kopitar and Danault. Broissot likely gets exposed. Oilers role.

Well done Sean.

Same stuff. Clean up the D zone with some speed and better exits.

Look for RNH to really step up this series and McD to start scoring 5/5.

Get it done Oil.

Good blog.

Its weird to have expectations for the Oilers in the postseason. Honestly, prior to the bruins being upset, I didn't think any other team had a legitimate shot at the cup this year. Even with that tho, my personal expectations moving forward are for the Oilers to just play well, whether they win or lose. As the aforementioned Bruins have proven, once the playoffs start anything can happen so even being potentially the favorite doesn't mean jack.

Oilers played just well enough to beat a very good LA team. I think you can barely shave the difference between Vegas, Oilers, and LA... and Seattle I guess as well. They did NOT look as good as they did in the last month+ of the regular season versus LA. I do believe they have another gear or 2 in them. If they can improve on their game over what we saw in LA and somehow get by Vegas, I think (assuming Dallas somehow beats Seattle...) the Central and Eastern conference teams will be even tougher match-ups. So an uphill climb every step. As it should be.

But having said that.

Its a very very interesting year. Every team left in this second round IMO has an almost equal chance at the cup. Where last year for example I think most knew Colorado was the team to beat. No Bruins AND no Colorado is just awesome for every team remaining to feel like a legit contender.

Good blog.

Its weird to have expectations for the Oilers in the postseason. Honestly, prior to the bruins being upset, I didn't think any other team had a legitimate shot at the cup this year. Even with that tho, my personal expectations moving forward are for the Oilers to just play well, whether they win or lose. As the aforementioned Bruins have proven, once the playoffs start anything can happen so even being potentially the favorite doesn't mean jack.

Oilers played just well enough to beat a very good LA team. I think you can barely shave the difference between Vegas, Oilers, and LA... and Seattle I guess as well. They did NOT look as good as they did in the last month+ of the regular season versus LA. I do believe they have another gear or 2 in them. If they can improve on their game over what we saw in LA and somehow get by Vegas, I think (assuming Dallas somehow beats Seattle...) the Central and Eastern conference teams will be even tougher match-ups. So an uphill climb every step. As it should be.

But having said that.

Its a very very interesting year. Every team left in this second round IMO has an almost equal chance at the cup. Where last year for example I think most knew Colorado was the team to beat. No Bruins AND no Colorado is just awesome for every team remaining to feel like a legit contender.
- Aerchon

One thing the Bruins didn't have that the Oil have is the McDrai factor.

Vegas wins tonight, then Oilers win 4 straight. Oilers in 5

Vegas wins tonight, then Oilers win 4 straight. Oilers in 5
- ALEDDO

I’m good with that. Nah f uck it. I want a win tonight. Let’s go!!!

Ek says Jack Campbell will end up being a big factor against Vegas.

Fully expecting Skinner to play every minute.

Ek says Jack Campbell will end up being a big factor against Vegas.

Fully expecting Skinner to play every minute.
- Cooleus

Sub .800 save percentage, I’d be thinking if they lose tonight, Campbell gets the net back.

Ek says Jack Campbell will end up being a big factor against Vegas.

Fully expecting Skinner to play every minute.
- Cooleus

Ek could be right on this one. Not sure Skinner will make it the full series. Looks shaky tonight.

Is Nugent- Hopkins Dressed???

Pulling for you guys, looks like a cup team IF you guys can limit the opposition to 0 shots. Goaltending is probably the pooptiest it’s been in any 2nd round series in the last 30 years.

When is Ryan Useless Hopkins drawing back into the line-up?

Oh, wait…

Is Nugent- Hopkins Dressed???
- Colbyboy

Haven't seen him all playoffs.

Haven't seen him all playoffs.

- Oildrum

Both RNH and McD need to start producing 5/5. So it looks like Campbell gets the net back game 2?

Pulling for you guys, looks like a cup team IF you guys can limit the opposition to 0 shots. Goaltending is probably the pooptiest it’s been in any 2nd round series in the last 30 years.
- I-own_da-Northwest

Just like the LA series the Oilers appear to be their own worst enemy.

RIP Petr Klima. 2nd best Mullet in the sports history.

RIP Petr Klima. 2nd best Mullet in the sports history.
- wreckage

Only 58.
Too bad.

LD going beast mode! What a player.
Going to need more than him playing though.

Who was the hockey expert on here that wanted him traded?