As winter coats give way to lighter attire and allergy season kicks into high gear, it`s also time for another familiar sign of spring: the Edmonton Oilers facing off against the Los Angeles Kings in the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
For the fourth consecutive year, these two teams will begin their playoff journey against each other. This repeat matchup is a rare occurrence in the NHL`s expansion era, only mirrored once before when the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens clashed in the first round every year from 1984 to 1987.
In their recent playoff history, Edmonton has had the upper hand, winning the last three series, including a quick five-game victory over Los Angeles last season. However, this year the Oilers will enter the series without home-ice advantage. Adding to the challenge, the Kings have been formidable at home, achieving a franchise record of 31 wins on their own ice this season.
Kings forward Trevor Moore expressed a mix of feelings about the repeated matchup, stating to reporters, “Part of you desires a change to the playoff format. Yet, a larger part of us is driven by the chance for redemption. They have defeated us three years in a row, and now we have the opportunity to play them again. It`s a significant opportunity, and we are fortunate to have it.”
