The Kings have proven a worthy adversary in each matchup with their 1-3-1 neutral-zone forecheck that has become a strong part of their identity as a team, but despite the Oilers trailing after Game 1 in each series, they’ve been able to find the extra gear and complete the victories in seven and six games.
“I think both teams know each other really well. That’s no secret,” Leon Draisaitl said. “We’ve played a lot of hockey against each other over the last three years, so every series I think writes its own story a little bit. I’m sure there will be certain surprises at certain moments, but obviously, we know their team well and it just goes both ways. They know us and we know them.”
Despite their previous success, finding a way to beat the Kings for the third straight year will not be an easy task for the Oilers, and the team that executes the best on their certain brands of hockey will be the one to move on, says the captain.
“Well, we’ve never done it. We’re going to find out obviously,” McDavid said. “I think just a familiarity. Nobody’s going to surprise anyone here with their game. We know what they want to do, they know what we want to do, and it’s just about who’s going to do it better. That’s what it comes down to.”
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