It’s over! The Edmonton Oilers have advanced to the Western Conference Final of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs after defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in five games. The series concluded with a 1–0 overtime victory in Game 5, highlighted by Kasperi Kapanen‘s game-winning goal and Stuart Skinner‘s 24-save shutout. This marks the Oilers’ second consecutive trip to the conference final, as they await the winner of the Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets series. First, let’s recap the Oilers vs Golden Knights series.
Series Review: Edmonton Oilers vs. Vegas Golden Knights
Series Summary
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Game 1: Oilers 4, Golden Knights 2 | (1 – 0 EDM)
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Game 2: Oilers 5, Golden Knights 4 (OT) | (2 – 0 EDM)
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Game 3: Golden Knights 4, Oilers 3 | (2 – 1 EDM)
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Game 4: Oilers 3, Golden Knights 0 | (3 – 1 EDM)
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Game 5: Oilers 1, Golden Knights 0 (OT) | (4 – 1 EDM wins)
Golden Knights Series Review: Early Deficits and Missed Opportunities
The Vegas Golden Knights entered the second round as the Pacific Division’s top seed, loaded with playoff experience and a roster built for another deep run. However, they quickly fell behind after dropping the first two games at home. In Game 1, Edmonton jumped out to a 3–0 lead and never looked back, frustrating Vegas with aggressive forechecking and solid defensive zone structure. Game 2 proved to be even more frustrating. The Oilers edged out a 5–4 overtime win, with Leon Draisaitl scoring the game-winner shortly after a missed tripping call. The no-call drew the ire of head coach Bruce Cassidy and shifted public scrutiny toward the officiating.
With the series shifting to Edmonton, the Golden Knights needed a response, and got one, at least temporarily. Game 3 was a thriller, capped off by a jaw-dropping goal from Reilly Smith with 0.4 seconds left in regulation to win 4–3. That victory cut the series deficit to 2–1 and reignited hopes of a Vegas turnaround.
However, their momentum was fleeting. In Game 4, the Golden Knights were shutout for the first time in the postseason. They generated chances but couldn’t solve Stuart Skinner, who turned away all 23 shots he faced. The Golden Knights’ power play continued to struggle, going 0-for-3 on the night. Then came Game 5, an intense, defensive battle that saw Adin Hill stand tall with 29 saves. But one mistake in overtime, a blown coverage down low, allowed Kasperi Kapanen to pounce on a loose puck and send the Oilers to the next round. Vegas finished the series with just one even-strength goal in their final two games.
Although they won the Stanley Cup just two years ago, this year’s early exit will sting. Key injuries, missed opportunities, and special teams shortcomings ultimately undid their hopes of reclaiming the crown.
Oilers Series Review and Resilience and Defensive Prowess
From the outset, the Oilers imposed their will in this series. Game 1 showcased a full-team effort, with goals from depth contributors and a smothering third period that sealed the win. Game 2 was a back-and-forth slugfest, ultimately won by Draisaitl’s overtime heroics. But after falling in heartbreaking fashion in Game 3, the Oilers didn’t panic. Instead, they locked in defensively and tightened up their transition game.
The turning point came in Game 4. Adam Henrique scored twice, Connor Brown chipped in with a shorthanded goal, and Stuart Skinner delivered his first shutout of the playoffs. Just a few weeks earlier, Skinner had been pulled in Round 1 and replaced by Calvin Pickard. Now, he was the backbone of the team. His redemption arc continued in Game 5, where he outdueled Adin Hill and posted his second consecutive shutout. His 24-save performance, marked by calm positioning and zero rebound chaos, solidified Edmonton’s defensive identity heading into the Western Conference Final.
Equally important was Edmonton’s secondary scoring. Henrique, Kapanen, Brown, and Janmark all stepped up at key moments. Evan Bouchard continued his strong postseason, quarterbacking a power play that clicked at over 27% in the series. Meanwhile, Draisaitl and Connor McDavid were their usual elite selves, combining for 14 points and drawing constant defensive attention that opened space for others.
Game 5 ended in fitting fashion: a grinding, low-event game decided by poise and patience. Kasperi Kapanen’s net-front awareness made the difference, and the celebration that followed felt like a release. Edmonton had slayed a giant, a ghost from their past, and done so in five games.
What’s Next for Each Team after Oilers vs Golden Knights
The Oilers now wait for the winner of the Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets series to determine who they’ll face in the Western Conference Final. With their goaltending stabilized, their defence dialled in, and contributions coming from every corner of the lineup, Edmonton is positioned as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. This run is shaping up to be their most complete and mature effort of the McDavid-Draisaitl era.
As for Vegas, the offseason brings a familiar set of questions. They remain a deep and dangerous team, but injuries, declining special teams, and a first-round scare against Minnesota caught up to them. Bruce Cassidy and general manager Kelly McCrimmon will have to assess whether the current core can bounce back, or if tweaks are needed to keep pace in an increasingly competitive West.
Main Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
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