These two teams finished the regular season just a point apart–a telltale sign, usually, that the matchup will be pretty evenly matched. The Vegas Golden Knights edged the Edmonton Oilers for the Pacific Division title and earned the top spot in the Western Conference at the end of the regular season.
Of course, they both come out of contests where they were heavily favored, and head into round two with a bit more of a challenge. Here’s what to expect from the second-round matchup between the Edmonton Oilers and the Vegas Golden Knights.
By the numbers: Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers
The second-place Oilers defeated the Los Angeles Kings in six games in the first round, thanks in large part to a power play that clocked in at an NHL-best 56.3%. And, of course, the superstars in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl combined for 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists between them) against the Kings. Draisaitl has seven goals so far and tied for the NHL lead in the playoffs. The team as a whole scored 25 goals in six games.
As for the Golden Knights, their defense is what stands out, as they only allowed 14 goals in their five-game series against the Winnipeg Jets. That means the team boasted a 2.80 goals against, which is a full goal lower than its goals for. They’ve also shown their ability to score goals, though, tallying four goals in every game except the first.
Related: Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers standing in our NHL power rankings
Edmonton Oilers scoring depth
Beyond Draisaitl and McDavid, the Oilers have a whole list of players who stepped up to the playoff plate, including Klim Kostin, Evander Kane, Zach Hyman and Evan Bouchard, who had two goals and eight assists for 10 points in the series. His efforts lead defensemen in points. “If you are going to beat the Oilers, you have to find a way to slow them down,” Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy said, according to NHL.com. “You have to find a way to score because you are never going to keep those guys off the scoresheet. That is the challenge in front of us.”
“A lot of people look at the Oilers and think it’s a two or three-man team and it’s not that at all,” McDavid said. “Up and down the lineup, we have contributions. Both goalies stepped up huge in the series. We had seven D-men play and had a bunch of different forwards stepping up at crucial times. That’s what playoff hockey is all about and it’s a good sign for our group.”
Vegas Golden Knights riding hard work and faith
More than scoring four goals in almost every playoff game this year, the Golden Knights outworked the Winnipeg Jets, and offered solid offense and reliable defense in front of their starting goalie, former Edmonton Oilers pick Laurent Brossoit. Captain Mark Stone was healthy and made a huge difference in the series, as the forward–who is one of the best two-way players in the league–totaled eight points in five games. That included a game-winning goal.
“The best defense is when you have the puck and you are making the other team play defense,” said Vegas forward Jack Eichel, who experienced his first playoff appearance. “I think we have a good cycle game. We have a big group. I think we can wear players down.
“I thought there were times during that Winnipeg series where we did a good job, that we played in their end and, you know, made their offensive players play defense,” he continued.
“I think there’s a big difference, different styles, different challenges, different problems that they present, and they seem to be firing on all cylinders,” said Edmonton Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft. “It’s going to be a tall task, but we’re up for it. I think they have a back end that seems to be involved in all three zones. They seem to have a deep forward group that plays a pressure-based game. They’re well-coached and they finished at the top of the conference for a reason.”
Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers NHL Playoff history
While these two teams have never played each other in the playoffs, Vegas took the regular season series, with a 2-1-1 record against Edmonton. Three of the contests ended in one-goal games.
The Edmonton Oilers were stymied by the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference Finals last year, while the Vegas Golden Knights missed the playoffs for the first time in their short history last year.
Oilers-Golden Knights prediction: Oilers in 7.
The second round of the 2023 NHL Playoffs begin Tuesday, May 2.