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The Edmonton Oilers are looking to stay hot after rattling off back-to-back wins in elimination games to sneak past the LA Kings into the second round of the playoffs. Their next Stanley Cup Playoffs matchup pits them up in the battle for Alberta, a showdown against the Calgary Flames. This will be a heated rivalry matchup that should have fans excited, and we're back with some bold predictions for the Oilers-Flames second-round matchup.
The Oilers showed up with their backs against the wall in the first round against the Kings. Despite falling down 3-2, Edmonton rallied and won the series. With Connor McDavid pulling all the strings out there and Evander Kane playing some of the best hockey we've ever seen from him, the offense is in great shape heading for a matchup with the formidable Flames defense. Leon Draisaitl is slowed down by an ankle injury, but the team is hopeful he'll be back to 100% for the series. Meanwhile, despite being suspended for Game 6, Darnell Nurse will play a big role as he looks to make Mike Smith's job in goal a bit easier.
As for Calgary, they pack a lethal punch with the trio of Elias Lindholm, Johnny Gaudreau, and Matthew Tkachuk pulling the strings offensively. One of the deepest teams in the league, Calgary scarcely has a line that's not capable of inflicting damage, while also being sturdy defensively. This will be no easy task for the Oilers, especially if Draisaitl's ankle injury continues to hobble him throughout. Still, there's good reason to believe Edmonton can pull off a win. Without further ado, here are our bold Oilers predictions for their second-round series vs. the Flames.
3 bold Oilers predictions vs. Flames in 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs
3. Mike Smith stays hot
One of the main reasons the Oilers are still in the chase for the Stanley Cup is the improved play of goaltender Mike Smith. Once rightfully considered somewhat of a liability, the 40-year-old has seemingly turned back the clock and is playing some of the best hockey we've seen from him. Smith recorded 244 saves in the seven-game series against the Kings, saving all but 16 shot attempts. He registered an elite .938 save percentage and surrendered just 2.28 goals per game.
If Smith can stay hot in the second round, the Flames may have trouble getting goals on the board. The incredible play of Dallas' Jake Oettinger in the first round almost proved too much for Calgary to overcome, so if Smith can follow that performance with an impressive showing of his own, Edmonton's offense may be able to do what the Stars failed to achieve in the opening round.
2. Leon Draisaitl's injury plays a big role
While Connor McDavid takes home most of the headlines, the Oilers would be nowhere if not for the fantastic play of Leon Draisaitl. Unfortunately, he's not at 100%, currently hobbled by a high-ankle sprain that's making it difficult for him to play at his usual high level. While he'll certainly be resting and getting treatment ahead of the series, the injury could certainly impact his ability against Calgary. While he and McDavid typically operate on different lines, Jared Bednar experimented with them together during the series against LA. However, if Draisaitl isn't able to perform his usual duties, he may end up being somewhat of a liability.
In the first five games against the Kings, Draisaitl had 7 points, including 5 goals and 2 assists. He registered 14 shots on goal in that span, serving as a frequent disruptor to LA's defense. The final two games saw him take on a smaller role offensively. He had a point in each game, but only recorded three shots on goal. His impact was drastically reduced as a result of the injury, so Edmonton will surely be hoping he's closer to full strength against the Flames.
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1. Connor McDavid leads Oilers to a 7-game series win
Connor McDavid was fantastic for the Oilers in their opening-round showdown against the Kings. He was easily the most impactful player on the ice every time he stepped out onto the rink. McDavid recorded 14 points in the seven-game series, registering four goals and 10 assists. Those are incredible numbers, as he averaged 2 points per game in the crucial series against LA. He showed up in the key moments, too, turning it up when Draisaitl was hobbled by his ankle injury. In the final two games of the series, both of which were elimination games, McDavid scored two goals and assisted three, while registering 12 shots on target.
If there's anyone who can lead this team to a Conference Finals berth, it's McDavid. When he's at his best, there's not a player in hockey who can compete with him, and he proved that by willing the Oilers into the second round. The Flames will provide a tougher task than the Kings, but McDavid will prove he's up for the challenge.
