[PLAY-IN] (5) Edmonton Oilers vs. (12) Chicago Blackhawks

[IPv6Freely 2100]

Saturday, Aug. 1: Blackhawks vs. Oilers, 3 p.m. ET – NBC
Monday, Aug. 3: Blackhawks vs. Oilers, 10:30 p.m. ET – NBCSN
Wednesday, Aug. 5: Oilers vs. Blackhawks, 10:30 p.m. ET – NBCSN
Friday, Aug. 7: Oilers vs. Blackhawks*, TBD
Saturday, Aug. 8: Blackhawks vs. Oilers*, TBD

[IPv6Freely 2100]

This is one of the more intriguing matchups to me. The Blackhawks have absolutely no business being here, but with their playoff experience they might be able to pull it off. I would prefer Edmonton to win, but because Edmonton is Edmonton, I think this one is ripe for an upset. 

[BenBreeg 495]

Definitely looking like experience is trumping flat skill so far, at least for coming out of the gate.

[IPv6Freely 2100]

The score looks like it’s going to end a lot closer than the game actually was. Chicago definitely let up after the 6th goal.

[215BroadStBullies610 435]

It seems that lack playoff experience rears its ugly head throughout this series. McDavid showed up for the most part but in typical EDM fashion, the help he needed was inconsistent at best. 

[IPv6Freely 2100]

Draisaitl was a non-factor, and they had pretty much nothing beyond McDavid. It sucks that we’re not going to get to see McDavid in the playoffs again.

I expected the Blackhawks to lean on their experience but they honestly looked way way way better than I thought they would.

[IPv6Freely 2100]

Blackhawks win series 3-1 (poll now closed)