Tonight the Oilers and Golden Knights will face off in what could be a first round matchup in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. If the playoffs started today, Vegas would be facing off against the Dallas Stars but the Golden Knights are just one point back of LA for 3rd in the Pacific and have a game in hand.

While this could be a first round matchup, both teams will likely have a different starting lineup in just a couple weeks. Vegas will be without Pietrangelo, Stephenson, and Hill tonight as well as the likes of Stone, Roy, and Carrier.

Edmonton meanwhile will be without Connor McDavid. Now before anyone freaks out, it looks like the captain is not seriously hurt and there was a potential chance that he plays tonight. If that is the discussion than it's likely he isn't missing more than a game or two at the most and will be more than ready to start in the playoffs.

This could be a blessing for the Oilers. As I wrote in my last blog, I would rather see McDavid fully healthy than have him push for an Art Ross or 1st in the Pacific and dealing with some lingering issues going into Game 1.

This also might be just what Leon Draisaitl needs. Draisaitl won his Hart Trophy after McDavid went down for a few weeks and Draisaitl proved he was more than just #97's wingman. Edmonton needs that Draisaitl, the one who can take over a game and be the best player on the ice.

We will also see Holloway slot back into the lineup tonight because of this injury. Holloway has a very brief chance right now to push his way onto the starting lineup for the playoffs. I feel Edmonton lacks the speed throughout their lineup to compete with a team like Vegas shift to shift. Tonight Holloway will play alongside McLeod and Perry and if he can find his way onto the scoresheet than the coaching staff hopefully will re-evaluate some of their lineup decisions.

There is no lost love between the Golden Knights and Oilers so expect Edmonton to come out swinging and ready to show to their fanbase that they are ready to take on whatever opponent comes their way in the playoffs.

Thanks for reading.

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