Edmonton vs. Chicago

Who are they

Edmonton

The Oilers had the most wins in the Western Conference regular season this year and tied for most wins in the league with the Presidents' Trophy Pittsburgh Penguins. They were tied for 1st in Goals Scored and 2nd in Least Goals Allowed. With those stats, it's hard not to see them as early favourites for the Cup. Edmonton very much seems to be a goal scoring by committe enterprise. With 5 players scoring 20 goals or more, the Oilers may not have that superstar gamebreaker, but they have a lot of weapons to turn to. Notable forwards include Carter Verhagehe, Matts Zuccarello and Dylan Strome. Their defenceman was thought to be a weakness going into the season but Rasmus Andersson and company have done commendably. Shayne Gostisbehere's 40 point season is boon for Oilers who hope to keep the scoring by committee moving forward these playoffs. Of course, this team revolves around the stellar goaltending of the Juice, Juuse Saros. The Oilers will go where Saros takes them. Edmonton didn't make the playoffs last year. Time will tell if the Oilers are for real or regular season darlings. 

Chicago

The Blackhawks were ousted in the 1st round of the playoffs last year and hope to put it together for a longer run. Chicago's strength at forward is at the wing, with Buchnevich, Skinner, Kane and Drouin. Down the middle, they are led by the young Anton Lundell and the vet Ryan Strome. The Hawks defence is a strength with Bouchard, Ekholm and Walman leading the backend. Adin Hill in the pipes guarantees a goaltender dual with Juuse Saros.

Head to Head

In three meetings, Edmtonon won 2 and Chicago won 1. In the earliest meeting Edmonton blew the Hawks out 8-2.

X Factor

This is an interesting battle with two seemingly evenly matched teams. I wouldn't have pegged Edmtonton to be the wins and goals leader this year but it's hard to deny their success. The X Factor for Edmonton is if their group can collectivelys stay hot, i'm not sure they can turn to a single guy to lift them to the next roun. For Chicago, Evan Bouchard needs to come alive with assists and plays as he has during the regular season. If Bouchard can keep his strong play up, I smell an upset. 

Prediction

Blackhawks in 6.