Shifting Kempe to the wing seems to have made all the difference. Kings drafted him as a center and kept insisting that he was an NHL center until many of the faithful were ready to give up on him. He had his breakout season in the last year of his contract — so, just in time. I suppose the big question is, how effective will he be without Kopitar to center him? It is believed that Kopi's current contract will be his last — although at this rate, there may be no good reason for him to retire at 38.
If there is another Edmonton vs LA matchup, I still think the Oilers would still win it. But with the way Kempe and Byfield have been playing recently they would make a future playoff matchup a bit more harder for the Oilers.
The Oilers would definitely be favored, but L.A. could make things interesting with a less passive NZ system. Trying to sit back and survive—as they have over the past few years—is a disaster waiting to happen vs. the likes of McDavid and Draisaitl.
Shifting Kempe to the wing seems to have made all the difference. Kings drafted him as a center and kept insisting that he was an NHL center until many of the faithful were ready to give up on him. He had his breakout season in the last year of his contract — so, just in time. I suppose the big question is, how effective will he be without Kopitar to center him? It is believed that Kopi's current contract will be his last — although at this rate, there may be no good reason for him to retire at 38.
Definitely a better fit on the wing. Frankly, I kind of feel the same way about Byfield. L.A. needs him to develop into a proper top-six center.
That backcheck on KK was mostly skill but part panic. Don't want that guy skating unencumbered. Kempe's great. Excellent analysis as always.
Yeah, Kap with even a little bit of space is terrifying. I hope the injury doesn't derail his season.
They’re hanging tough with the Caps
If there is another Edmonton vs LA matchup, I still think the Oilers would still win it. But with the way Kempe and Byfield have been playing recently they would make a future playoff matchup a bit more harder for the Oilers.
The Oilers would definitely be favored, but L.A. could make things interesting with a less passive NZ system. Trying to sit back and survive—as they have over the past few years—is a disaster waiting to happen vs. the likes of McDavid and Draisaitl.
Thanks for reading!