Navigating the Pacific Division and West Wild Card Playoff Race: A Team-by-Team Analysis

As the season nears the end and playoff races heat up. Lets take a look at the teams who could make the playoffs around the Oilers.
Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers / Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
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St. Louis Blues vs Minnesota Wild
St. Louis Blues vs Minnesota Wild / Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Kings

Tied with the Vegas Golden Knights at 79 points in 67 games, the Los Angeles Kings are making a strong push for the playoffs. With a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, the Kings have exceeded expectations this season. However, they face an easy schedule down the stretch, including two games each against easy opponents like the Chicago Blackhawks and Anaheim Ducks. Los Angeles must win the games against lower-skilled teams to secure a playoff berth.

St. Louis Blues

The St. Louis Blues are closing the gap between themselves and the teams currently holding a Wild Card spot in the West. Despite facing adversity this season, including injuries to key players, the Blues have shown resilience and determination. With a challenging schedule ahead, including matchups against strong opponents like the Colorado Avalanche and must-win games Nashville Predators, St. Louis must continue to grind out victories and collect crucial points to secure a playoff spot.

Minnesota Wild

With 74 points in 68 games, the Minnesota Wild are still in the playoff hunt but face an uphill battle to secure a postseason berth. Despite inconsistency at times, the Wild possess a talented roster capable of competing with any team in the league. However, their remaining schedule includes tough matchups against top opponents like the Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights. Minnesota must find a way to string together wins and gain momentum as they make their final push for playoff contention.

Nashville Predators

Sitting with 82 points after 68 games played, the Nashville Predators are in a relatively comfortable position in the playoff race. However, they cannot afford to become complacent, as the competition for postseason berths is fierce. With a challenging schedule ahead, including matchups against formidable opponents like the Flordia Panthers and Colorado Avalanche, Nashville must maintain their focus and continue to collect points to secure a playoff spot and potentially make a deep playoff run.

Misconception about how the Edmonton Oilers perform versus top teams. dark. Next. Misconception about how the Edmonton Oilers perform versus top teams

As the NHL season heads towards its climax, every game becomes increasingly crucial for teams in the Pacific Division and West Wild Card race. With tight standings and challenging schedules ahead, consistency, resilience, and execution will be paramount for success. Each team must dig deep and elevate their game to secure precious points in the race for playoff berths.

Whether it's the Edmonton Oilers fighting to maintain their position near the top of the division, the Vancouver Canucks striving to hold onto their lead, or the Vegas Golden Knights and Los Angeles Kings battling for positioning, every matchup is a battle. The St. Louis Blues, Minnesota Wild, and Nashville Predators are also in the mix, each with their own aspirations and challenges. As the intensity ramps up and the pressure mounts, fans can expect thrilling hockey as these teams leave it all on the ice in pursuit of postseason glory.

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