Oilers-Blackhawks fantasy pool preview, picks

NHL.com's fantasy hockey staff makes picks for playoff pools counting the entire 24-team tournament and predictions for each Stanley Cup Qualifiers series. For more fantasy coverage, visit NHL.com/Fantasy and subscribe for free to the NHL Fantasy on Ice podcast.

MVP FOR EACH TEAM:

NOTE: Below is each team's highest-ranked player by NHL.com for Stanley Cup pools.

Edmonton Oilers: Leon Draisaitl, C/LW

Chicago Blackhawks: Patrick Kane, RW

PAST PLAYOFF PERFORMERS:

Oilers: Mike Smith, G

-Leads active goalies in playoff save percentage, minimum 15 games (.938 in 24 games).

Blackhawks: Duncan Keith, D

-Has 81 points (18 goals, 63 assists) in 126 postseason games (three Stanley Cup titles).

SLEEPER PICKS:

Oilers: Kailer Yamamoto, RW

Blackhawks: Dylan Strome, C/RW

Read: Fantasy sleeper candidates for Stanley Cup pools

SERIES X-FACTORS:

Oilers: Oscar Klefbom, D

Blackhawks: Corey Crawford, G

Read: Fantasy X-factors for Stanley Cup pools

PREDICTIONS FOR FIVE-GAME SERIES:

Pete Jensen: Oilers in 4

Rob Reese: Oilers in 3

David Satriano: Blackhawks in 5

Listen: NHL Fantasy on Ice podcast