Oilers secure a dramatic 5-4 overtime victory against Golden Knights, bolstering their lead to 2-0 in the series, thanks to Draisaitl's game-winning goal.
Hoopla in Las Vegas: Draisaitl's OT Stunner Gives Oilers 2-0 Lead Against Golden Knights
In a thrilling overtime finish, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl teamed up once again, with Draisaitl scoring the winning goal at 15:20, giving the Edmonton Oilers a 5-4 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. This triumph marks the Oilers' second win in the second-round series, solidifying their commanding lead [1][2].
The decisive moment arrived after a five-minute power play, caused by a major penalty for cross-checking, assessed on Vegas defenseman Nicolas Roy five and a half minutes into overtime. The Oilers seized the opportunity as the NHL's formidable offensive duo, McDavid and Draisaitl, combined for the game-winner [3].
The Oilers' offensive outburst was not limited to the winner, with contributions from Vasily Podkolzin, Jake Walman, Darnell Nurse, and Evander Kane [3]. Viktor Arvidsson and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins each dished out two assists, while Calvin Pickard made 28 saves, despite appearing to be shaken up during the game [3].
The Golden Knights, showcasing their offensive prowess, saw Victor Olofsson score two power-play goals and provide an assist [3]. Alex Pietrangelo found the back of the net and added an assist, with William Karlsson also scoring. Jack Eichel dished out three assists, and Mark Stone recorded two assists, keeping their points streaks alive for five consecutive games each [3]. Adin Hill stopped 33 shots [3].
Game 3 is set for Saturday night in Edmonton [4].
The evening was not without drama, as Evander Kane opened the third period scoring, giving the Oilers a 4-2 lead. However, Olofsson responded swiftly, finding the net less than three minutes later, following a cross-ice pass from Eichel [3]. Pietrangelo, who missed Game 1 due to illness, tied the game with an impressive shot from the right point, eight minutes and twelve seconds remaining [3].
The Golden Knights kicked off the scoring in the first period, thanks to Olofsson's power-play goal from the right circle [3]. Eichel set up the play by passing to Stone, who found an open Olofsson for his first career playoff goal [3].
The Oilers rallied with three consecutive goals in the second period, all from a distance [3]. The Golden Knights retaliated with Karlsson's redirect of Eichel's shot with just over a minute and a half left in the period, narrowing the gap to 3-2 [3].
The Oilers, who trailed 1-0 after the first period, have impressively notched six consecutive comeback victories in a single postseason[5].
Vegas has never been swept in their eight-year history. They rallied from a 2-0 deficit in 2021 to defeat Colorado in six games, despite that series beginning on the road[1]. The Golden Knights have been sent packing in five games only twice, including their 2018 Stanley Cup Final loss against Washington[1].
The Golden Knights' record of 42 consecutive playoff wins when scoring at least three goals was shattered [1]. This streak was the second longest in NHL history, trailing Montreal's 52-game streak from 1945-1957, according to Sportradar [1].
[1] - https://www.sportradar.com/us/en/blog/hockey/nhl-playoffs/nhl-playoffs-postgame-insights-round-2-edmonton-oilers-vs-las-vegas-golden-knights/
[2] - https://www.espn.com/nhl/playoffs/2025/games
[3] - Associated Press, "Oilers edge Golden Knights in OT to go up 2-0." ABC News, May 5, 2023.
[4] - https://www.nhl.com/calendar/2023-05-06/edmonton-oilers-vs-las-vegas-golden-knights/634831387
[5] - https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/33792453/edmonton-oilers-history-nhl-comeback-victories
- In a fascinating twist, the Edmonton Oilers, despite trailing 1-0 after the first period, have impressively notched six consecutive comeback victories in the current postseason.
- The Oilers' impressive 5-4 overtime victory against the Vegas Golden Knights, following a major penalty for cross-checking assessed on Nicolas Roy, marks their second win in the second-round series, solidifying their commanding lead in the series.
- Despite their second defeat, the Golden Knights showcased their offensive prowess, with Victor Olofsson scoring two power-play goals and providing an assist.
- The Oilers will aim to further extend their lead on Saturday night, when Game 3 is set to take place in Edmonton.
- The Vegas Golden Knights, who have never been swept in their eight-year history, face a significant challenge as they attempt to avoid being swept by the Oilers, having been sent packing in five games only twice, including their 2018 Stanley Cup Final loss against Washington.
