Stanley Cup Playoffs: Edmonton Oilers vs. Chicago Blackhawks series preview
3 Burning Questions
The answers to these questions will determine the series.
Will Crawford Play?
Crawford’s health is the key to this series for the Blackhawks. The team is not allowed to divulge any information other than that he is “unfit to play”. It could mean Crawford has tested positive for the novel coronavirus or it could mean one of his various injuries is flaring up again. Regardless, Chicago absolutely needs him to play to have a chance of upsetting the Oilers.
Which Defense Will Get More Stops?
Both the Blackhawks and the Oilers are capable of scoring goals in bunches. Unfortunately for both teams, they aren’t too great at preventing goals. It’s not hard to see this series have at least one game that features the two teams combining for double-digit goals. The series will probably come down to which defense does a better job stopping the other team’s offense.
Oilers Goaltending
The Oilers don’t have the issues in net the Blackhawks do if Crawford doesn’t play, but they’ve still got some decisions to make. Tippett must decide who the starting goalie will be for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. During the regular season, Koskinen and Smith split starts at a nearly 50-50 rate, with the former getting 33 starts and the latter getting 37.
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Prediction
Whether or not Corey Crawford plays, the Oilers have the advantage in this series. Crawford will probably have to steal at least two games in this five-game series for the Blackhawks to win. The Oilers are a flawed team, but their greatest strength helps them mask their flaw. They’re in a perfect position to exploit the Blackhawks’ weaknesses.
Oilers in four.