Series Overview – Edmonton Oilers vs Utah Hockey Club

On paper, this looks like a classic David vs. Goliath matchup. The Edmonton Oilers, powered by an all-star roster and the best regular-season record in the BRHL, are entering the postseason as the favorites. Meanwhile, the Utah Hockey Club, who barely clinched a playoff spot, are viewed as underdogs. But their regular season success against Edmonton hints that this series may be closer than the standings suggest.

Offense

Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers boast one of the most dangerous offensive duos in the league. Connor McDavid (46-56-102) finished third overall in scoring just behind Tim Stutzle (NJD) and Filip Forsberg (STL). His partner in crime, Auston Matthews (51-48-99) finished fifth overall. The offense doesn’t stop there. Leon also has a lot more talent to lean on in the form of Sam Reinhart (41-51-92), J.T. Miller (34-44-78), Viktor Arvidsson (25-39-64) and Brad Marchand (26-30-56). This is easily the best top 6 in the entire league and it’s going to take an elite defensive system to try and shut it down.

Utah Hockey Club
Utah relies on a more balanced approach. They can’t match the top end skill of the Oilers, but they have an impressive group as well. Led by the trio of Chris Kreider (43-45-88), Nick Suzuki (38-45-83) and Sidney Crosby (37-45-82), the Hockey Club are able to put up an above average top two lines. They will need the remaining top 6 to try their best to match the skill of the Oilers. Jeff Skinner (19-31-50) has played very well since they acquired him at the deadline. Mason McTavish (22-27-49) is rounding into form and should be an even bigger contributor next season. Philipp Kurashev (16-31-47) rounds out the top 6.

Advantage: Edmonton Oilers

Defense

Edmonton Oilers
A deep but not elite defensive group. Led by Rasmus Andersson (8-44-52), the Oilers have a solid two-way top 6. Experience won’t be a factor here as the Oilers loaded up on well established defensemen such as Morgan Rielly (6-41-47), Sean Durzi (8-36-44), Jonas Brodin (7-37-44), Matt Roy (8-33-41) and Jared Spurgeon (7-34-41). No other team in the league came anywhere close to matching the combined offense that the Oilers defensemen put out there this season. While they don’t have anyone who can steal them games, all three of their pairings present nightmares for opposing teams.

Utah Hockey Club
Anchored by elite defensemen Roman Josi (11-69-80), the Hockey Club may not be able to match the depth of the Oilers, but they have the best defensemen in this series. Josi finished second in league scoring for defensemen, just behind MacKenzie Weegar (NJD). Complimenting Josi nicely is another high-end defensemen in Brandon Montour (8-45-53). Ageless wonder Jeff Petry (10-36-46) put up very respectable numbers in a season in which many expected his career to start winding down. Jake Middleton (5-24-29) and K’Andre Miller (6-19-25) bring some grit and toughness to the bottom three.

Advantage: Edmonton Oilers

Goaltending

Edmonton Oilers
Between the pipes for the Oilers is the leagues best goaltender in Connor Hellebuyck (57-10-7, 2.20, .922%). Hellebuyck finished second overall in save percentage behind Pyotr Kochetkov (SEA). Hellebuyck is no stranger to workload, so expect Edmonton to roll him out every playoff game.

Utah Hockey Club
The Hockey Club has seen league average goaltending from their duo of Petr Mrazek (35-22-4, 2.92, .907%) and Carter Hart (14-6-1, 2.77, .905%). Neither goaltender has the capability to steal games but Mrazek is more then capable of keeping his team in the game.

Advantage: Edmonton Oilers

By The Numbers

Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers finished first overall in Goals Forward and finished first overall in Goals Allowed while also having the league’s second best Power Play. They were dominant from start to finish and there are few teams in the league who can put up a fight with them. Despite this, the Oilers lost the season series against the Utah Hockey Club. In three games, the Oilers were only able to win one. Their win came in overtime.

Utah Hockey Club
Despite everything that’s been said, the Utah Hockey Club have proved that they can provide a close matchup with the Oilers. The Oilers only lost 21 games all season, and two of those came at the hands of Utah. Utah’s goal differential was not strong. They finished 12^th overall in Goals Forward and 18^th overall in Goals Against. The team has the offense to keep things close, but the defense and goaltending will need to be better.

Predictions
Edmonton should be able to close out this series in five games. I wouldn’t be surprised to see it go six, but I’d love to eat my words.