The Los Angeles Kings know the Edmonton Oilers well as they have played each other 15 times in the regular season and Monday night will be number 16 along with 18 playoff games since the beginning of the 2021-22 season. They will be adding to that playoff total as the two teams are set to face each other in the first round of the NHL Playoffs for the fourth straight season
The Oilers are dealing with their fair share of injuries and it remains to be seen who exactly will be available for the start of the playoffs. One player that is in serious jeopardy is Mattias Ekholm, who might miss the remainder of the season, as well as players like Trent Frederic and Zach Hyman.
Even with all the injuries, the Oilers have a number of players that can take over a game or even a series. These are four players that the Los Angeles Kings in particular are going to need to prepare for in this first round series.
Los Angeles Kings need to have a game plan for these four Edmonton Oilers
Connor McDavid
Let's start with the player that has made a case to be the best in the league right now in Connor McDavid. He had missed some time over the last month due to injury but has returned and playing excellent hockey with eight assists in just three games.
He may not end up leading the league in points, which he has already done five times in 10 year career, but that isn't because of a drop in his skill set. What should concern the Kings is that McDavid has been known to get even better once the playoffs roll around.
In 18 playoff games against the Kings, McDavid has 36 points with 28 of those points being assists. The fact that McDavid had a few weeks to recover from an injury could actually help him in the playoffs as he will be a little more rested then in years past entering the playoffs.
If there is one player that the Kings have to focus on shutting down it is Connor McDavid.