Here at Last Word on Hockey, we will preview and review all of the series from the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. In every series, we aim to deliver at least three articles throughout the series: a preview, a mid-series analysis, and a recap. Today, we shift our focus to the Edmonton Oilers vs Vegas Golden Knights. After dispatching the Kings for a fourth straight postseason, Edmonton now faces a familiar foe in Vegas. The Golden Knights bested the Wild in six games but looked vulnerable defensively at times, especially against Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy. The Oilers, on the other hand, are rolling, having rattled off four straight wins led by the unstoppable duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. This marks a second-round rematch from 2023, and with both teams eyeing the Cup, expect fireworks in this Pacific Division showdown.
2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Western Conference Second Round: Oilers vs Golden Knights Series Preview
The Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights are set to clash in the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Both teams enter the series with momentum, having advanced from their respective first-round matchups. The Oilers overcame a 0-2 deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Kings in six games, marking the fourth consecutive year they’ve eliminated the Kings in the first round. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights dispatched the Minnesota Wild in six games, showcasing their depth and experience. The Athletic ran the series odds and, as seen in the table below, the Oilers have a slight edge. The table below, provided by The Athletic, is the probabilities for each team’s chance of winning after each of the possible endgames. Also, the top row is the cumulative probability for each team’s chances at victory. Here we go:
| Scenario | EDM | VGK |
| Total | ~52% | ~48% |
| 4 – Games | ~7% | ~5% |
| 5 – Games | ~12% | ~12% |
| 6 – Games | ~18% | ~14% |
| 7 – Games | ~14% | ~17% |
Edmonton Oilers vs Vegas Golden Knights Season Series Recap
During the regular season, the Oilers and Golden Knights split their four-game series, each team winning twice. The matchups were tightly contested, reflecting the competitive nature of both squads. Notably, the Golden Knights secured a 1-0 victory on December 3, with goaltender Adin Hill recording a shutout. These regular-season battles set the stage for what promises to be an intense playoff series.
The Oilers’ Keys to Victory
1. Star Power Must Deliver: Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl continue to be the driving force behind the Oilers’ offence. In the first round against the Kings, McDavid tallied 11 points (2 goals, 9 assists), while Draisaitl contributed 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists). Their ability to generate scoring opportunities will be crucial against a disciplined Vegas defence.
2. Goaltending Decisions: Calvin Pickard stepped up in the latter part of the first round, providing stability in net after Stuart Skinner struggled in the initial games. Pickard’s performance will be under scrutiny as he faces his former team, having been the first player selected by the Golden Knights in the 2017 Expansion Draft. The Oilers will need consistent goaltending to counter Vegas’s balanced attack.
3. Depth Contributions: Beyond their top stars, the Oilers received significant contributions from players like Connor Brown, who notched a goal and two assists in the series-clinching Game 6 against the Kings. Continued production from the supporting cast will be vital in a series where depth can make the difference.
The Golden Knights’ Keys to Victory
1. Defensive Matchups: The Golden Knights will rely on centers Jack Eichel and William Karlsson to contain McDavid and Draisaitl. Head coach Bruce Cassidy emphasized the importance of structured defence and the need to minimize mistakes against Edmonton’s dynamic duo. Eichel’s two-way play will be instrumental in this effort.
2. Balanced Scoring: Vegas’s offence is characterized by its depth, with contributions from multiple lines. In the first round, players like Jack Eichel, Shea Theodore, and Mark Stone each recorded a goal and an assist in the series-clinching Game 6 against the Wild. This balanced attack poses a significant challenge for the Oilers’ defence.
3. Home-Ice Advantage: The Golden Knights boast a formidable home record, which they will look to leverage in this series. With that, starting the series at T-Mobile Arena provides an opportunity to set the tone and capitalize on the energy of the home crowd.
Oilers vs Golden Knights Series Odds and Predictions
This series may be close on paper, but the Oilers have a slight edge in momentum and star power. The Athletic gives the Oilers a 52% chance to advance, while sportsbooks also list them as slight favourites at -115 compared to -105 for the Golden Knights. Vegas showed some cracks in their armour in their opening-round win over Minnesota. For example, they had trouble containing Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy in the first round—an ominous sign considering they now face Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, superstars who operate on an entirely different level. In fact, Edmonton’s elite duo combined for 21 points in Round 1 and appears poised to take over this series. If the Oilers receive reliable goaltending and continued depth contributions, they have what it takes to break through Vegas’s defensive structure. A key matchup to watch will be the battle of 2015 first and second overall draft picks; expect McDavid and Eichel to be matched up against each other often.
Prediction: Oilers win the series in 6 games.
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Main photo: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
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