The NHL’s current playoff format might get mixed reactions, but it has definitely created one of the league’s most exciting rivalries – the Edmonton Oilers versus the Los Angeles Kings. For the fourth year in a row, these two teams will face each other in the first round of the playoffs, and emotions are already running high.
The goal of this division-based playoff system is to build rivalries by making teams in the same group play each other more often during the playoffs. And it’s working. In other divisions, we might see matchups like Toronto Maple Leafs vs Ottawa Senators or Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche. These games will also bring a lot of tension and history.
But when it comes to pure rivalry, nothing matches the Oilers vs Kings. After three straight first-round playoff series, both teams have built a strong dislike for each other – something that was very clear during their last regular-season match on Monday night.
Monday Night’s Game Was Heated
Even though the Oilers rested key players like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman, there was no shortage of aggressive play and hard feelings on the ice. One major incident came when Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse cross-checked Kings player Quinton Byfield in the back of the head. Nurse was ejected from the game, and the hit created a lot of drama.
Kings center Phillip Danault was clearly upset about the play. During an intermission interview, he claimed the Oilers were sending in their “B squad” just to hurt the Kings.
“I think they just have their B squad in trying to hurt us,” Danault said on the Kings’ broadcast.
Oilers forward Corey Perry strongly disagreed and reacted sharply when asked about Danault’s comments.
“What the f—?” Perry responded. “Did he not look at what’s happened over the last couple weeks? Like, what do you want us to do? We’re not out there to hurt anybody.”
Oilers winger Connor Brown also added to the tension. He had a clash with Danault during the game but refused to continue the argument in the media.
“I’m not really interested in getting into a media war with Danault,” Brown said. “He took a run at me. I took a run at him. I don’t really have anything to say.”
The Rivalry Continues in the Playoffs
Now, the two teams are set to meet again in the playoffs. The Kings have a slight edge this time as they have home-ice advantage. They also have the best home record in the league with 31 wins, 5 losses, and 4 overtime losses. On the other hand, the Oilers have a decent road record of 22-16-2, but it’s not too strong. Plus, Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm will miss at least the first round, making things even tougher for Edmonton.
The Oilers have won the past three playoff series between the two teams, but this year could be different. Many believe the Kings might finally come out on top.
Why the NHL Format is Working
The NHL wanted more emotional and high-stakes games early in the playoffs, and this format is clearly delivering. When two teams meet in the playoffs year after year, it naturally builds bad blood and excitement.
Of course, different playoff formats could also create rivalries, but what we’re seeing between the Oilers and Kings is a clear success story of this system.
The growing tension between the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings shows exactly why the NHL’s playoff format is working. Fans are getting a passionate and drama-filled series right from the start. With past history, strong opinions, and big hits already flying, this year’s battle promises to be even more intense. Whether the Oilers win again or the Kings finally get revenge, the NHL has already scored a victory in creating one of the league’s fiercest rivalries.
