The Edmonton Oilers visit the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena tonight at 9:30 PM ET for Game 1 of their second round playoff series. Edmonton advanced by defeating the Los Angeles Kings in six games, while Vegas overcame the Minnesota Wild in six. Both teams aim to start the series strong in this Western Conference semifinal matchup.

 

Recent Performance

Edmonton Oilers (Advanced 4–2 over Los Angeles Kings)
After falling behind 0-2 in the series, the Oilers rallied to win four straight games against the Kings. Connor McDavid led the team with 11 points (2 goals, 9 assists) in the series, while Leon Draisaitl contributed 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists). Goaltender Calvin Pickard stepped up with a 4-0-0 record in 4 games with a goals against average of 2.93, helping Edmonton secure the series victory in dominant fashion.

 

Vegas Golden Knights (Advanced 4–2 over Minnesota Wild)
The Golden Knights dispatched the Wild in round one in six games, showcasing their depth and experience in the playoffs. Jack Eichel led the team with 5 points (1 goals, 4 assists), while the team’s defensive core and leadership from veterans like Mark Stone were key to neutralizing Minnesota’s top lines. Vegas aims to leverage home ice advantage in the opening game and set the tone for the series.

 

Team Records and Trends

Edmonton Oilers
Power Play: 38.5%
Penalty Kill: 60%
Record vs. VGK (this season): 2–2

 

Vegas Golden Knights
Power Play: 27.8%
Penalty Kill: 76.9%
Record vs. EDM (this season): 2–2

 

Key Players to Watch

Edmonton Oilers
Connor McDavid – McDavid leads the Oilers in the playoffs with 11 points, including 9 assists. His speed and playmaking abilities are crucial for Edmonton’s offensive success in this series.
Leon Draisaitl – Draisaitl has contributed 10 points in the postseason, demonstrating his scoring prowess and importance to the Oilers’ attack.

 

Vegas Golden Knights
Mark Stone – The Golden Knights captain brings grit, experience, and two-way dominance to the lineup. He registered 4 points in Round 1 and played a crucial role in shutting down Minnesota’s top scorers. Stone’s presence on special teams will be key against the Oilers’ potent attack and structured defence.
Jack Eichel – Eichel has been a consistent offensive force since landing in Vegas, this postseason he’s tallied 5 points in the first round leading his team. Having the ability to drive play and win matchups will be Eichels best bet against Edmonton’s elite forwards.

 

Injury Report

Edmonton Oilers
Mattias Ekholm – Out

 

Vegas Golden Knights
Pavel Dorofeyev – Out

 

Goaltending Matchup

Edmonton Oilers
Calvin Pickard – Confirmed starter. Pickard has emerged as Edmonton’s unlikely hero between the pipes after Stuart Skinner struggled early in the postseason. He has a 4-0-0 record in 5 games with a goals against average of 2.93 and a save percentage of .893 in the 2025 playoffs and provided the team with some consistency in net. While not the most experienced playoff goaltender, his calm presence and timely saves helped the Oilers shift the series in their favor. How he handles the pressure of a second-round start against a deeper Vegas team could be a deciding factor in this series.

 

Vegas Golden Knights
Adin Hill – Confirmed starter. Hill was shaky in the start of the series but found his game, contributing to their success in round one with a record of 4-2-0 in 6 games with a goals against average of 2.83 and a save percentage of .880. His combination of size, athleticism, and rebound control has kept opposing offenses at bay all season. Hill’s calm presence under pressure and his ability to make timely saves, especially late in games, will be crucial against an Oilers team that thrives on puck possession and quick-strike scoring.

 

Game Outlook

Both teams enter the second round with momentum from their first round victories. The Oilers potent offense, led by McDavid and Draisaitl, will challenge the Golden Knights disciplined defense and veteran leadership. Vegas aims to capitalize on home ice advantage and their balanced attack, while Edmonton will look to continue their offensive surge with improved goaltending. Expect a fast paced and physical contest as these Western Conference rivals renew their high stakes battle.

 

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