NHL Hockey-Showdown Series”

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Wayne Gretzky-Jarri Kurri-Mark Messier…Edmonton Oilers greatness, was a long time ago.

Peter Forsborg-Patrick Roy and Joe Sakic star studded days with the Colorado Avalanche was a few faceoffs ago too.

But the Oilers and the Avs are ready to face each other, beginning with Tuesday night’s first game in the NHL Western Conference finals.

I know Tampa Bay and the NY Rangers will meet in the Eastern Conference finals, but the guys wearing Orange and Blue-vs-the Red and Blue will be the ultimate heavyweight matchup series.

In simplistic terms, everyone will be talk about the matchup of McHockey-vs-Big Mac..the Connor McDavis showdown against Nathan MacKinnon.  But this series is more than the two goal scoring superstars going against each other.

The Avs show up with explosive scoring defenseman Cale Makar on the backline.  They feature captain Gabe Landeskog.  And deliver the feisty Nazim Kadri upfront.

The Oilers have the dynamics of McDonald and linemate Leon Draisaitl, who between them have 52-points in the playoffs so far.

Controversial Evander Kane came at the trade deadline and is just as dangerous a sniper as the other two wearing Edmonton colors.

The Oilers blueline is anchored by warrior veteran Duncan Keith, the ex-Blackhawk, plus Tyson Barrie and youngster Evan Bouchard.

Who knows what you will get in the goal.  Oilers veteran Mike Smith has been red hot but also lets in goals.  Colorado’s Darcy Kuemper has let in goals in the postseason but can come up with the hot hand.

The Oilers fired their coach early in the season after an underachieving start and Jay Woodcroft has rallied this year to play together, play for each other, and just physically overwhelm people.  The Oilers finally lived up to their billing with a 49-win season.

But the Avs have built a very deep team, witnessed by a 56-win season and their march thru the opening rounds of the playoffs.

Yes Tampa Bay has won back to back Stanley Cups, and the New York Rangers have slammed their way thru opponents to get to the finals in the East, but what we see Tuesday night might really be the Stanley Cup finals.

They may not be the Oilers of the Gretzky era or the spectacular teams anchored by Roy, but these are two really good teams.

A fun best of seven with the best-of-the-west facing each other.  Worth watching.
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