Edmonton Oilers: Primed to Win the Pacific Division

The Edmonton Oilers have a chance to win the Pacific Division for the first time in 35 years. First, they have to get through the Vegas Golden Knights.

Thanks in large part to McDavid, Draisaitl, key offseason additions, and a hot start, the opportunity is up for grabs.

The Edmonton Oilers have the best forward group in the Pacific Division, which should help make that jump to the next step.

Additions of Zach Hyman to the top six, along with Warren Foegele and Derek Ryan in the bottom six, has made Edmonton a very top-heavy lineup.

Where defense and goaltending are lacking, the offense will be a powerhouse. Backed by the best powerplay for 2 years straight, the Edmonton Oilers are going to score a lot of goals. (They may give up a lot too).

The biggest competition for first in the Pacific Division is the Vegas Golden Knights. Vegas was heavy favourites to win the division before the season began, but just a few games in and the Oilers have made the odds closer.

Edmonton has come out of the gate hot with a perfect 4-0-0 record, while Vegas has struggled a bit, sitting at 1-2-0.

It’s still very early but if this is any indication of what’s to come, Edmonton Oilers’ fans have a lot to be optimistic about.

The Golden Knights are very skilled in the defense and goaltending positions but lack top-end scoring from their forwards.

To add insult to injury, two of Vegas’ top forwards Mark Stone and Max Pacioretty recently went down with what look to be significant injuries. Pacioretty is said to be out for 6-8 weeks, while Stone’s timetable is either day to day or even week to week.

Where Vegas lacks offense, the Oilers have it. Where the Oilers lack defense, Vegas has it. Early on the Oilers’ goaltending has actually looked better but only time will tell. Especially with Mike Smith being placed on the IR with a lower-body injury.

Outside of Vegas and Edmonton, the Pacific might be one of the weaker divisions. Seattle, Calgary, and Vancouver will all be fighting for the 3rd spot. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Sharks or Kings surprise and steal a playoff spot though.

The Pacific Division race is going to be very interesting in how these two teams are almost complete opposites, but I’m excited to see how it unfolds.

The first matchup between the Oilers and the Golden Knights goes down tonight in Vegas at 8:00 pm MT.