Edmonton Oil Kings clinch spot in 2019 #WHLPlayoffs

The Edmonton Oil Kings are heading back to the Western Hockey League Playoffs for the first time since the 2015-16 WHL Regular Season.

A 7-1 win against the Brandon Wheat Kings on Fan Appreciation Night secured their spot as Edmonton can now at worst finish the season in the first Wild Card spot. The win was their sixth in a row.

It’s been a whirlwind turnaround for the Central Division club this season. Led by captain Trey Fix-Wolansky (Columbus Blue Jackets), who sits third in WHL scoring with 96 points (33G-63A) in 60 games, the Oil Kings lead the Central Division with 82 points through 63 games with a 37-18-4-4 record. The likes of Vince Loschiavo, Quinn Benjafield, Carter Souch, and Conner McDonald have also aided the offensive cause this season.

Dylan Myskiw has also contributed to the team’s success from between the pipes. Acquired just before the start of the season from Brandon, the Winnipeg, Man. product is 25-11-2-3 in 42 games with a 2.62 goals-against-average, 0.912 save percentage, and one shutout.

The Oil Kings still have another race to contend with as they lead the Central Division standings and have a favourable chance at winning their fourth division title in franchise history. Their 238 goals through 63 games is the most in a single season since they scored 290 in the 2013-14 WHL Regular Season. Their final five games are all against the Central Division.

So far, seven teams have secured their spot in the 2019 WHL Playoffs: Prince Albert Raiders, Everett Silvertips, Vancouver Giants, Portland Winterhawks, Saskatoon Blades, Spokane Chiefs, and Oil Kings. The Raiders and Giants have clinched their respective divisions while the Raiders have also secured the top record in the Eastern Conference.

Next up for the Oil Kings is a date Friday, March 8 (7:00 p.m. MT) on the road against the Calgary Hitmen.

Your #OilKings WIN!!!

Final score: 7-1 over the Brandon Wheat Kings! #allhail

We are going to the playoffs!!! pic.twitter.com/aBqHa1kknG

— Edmonton Oil Kings (@EdmOilKings) March 3, 2019