Vegas Golden Knights vs. Edmonton Oilers Game 5

Golden Knights Look to Stay Alive Back in Vegas

The Western Conference Second Round returns to T-Mobile Arena with the Vegas Golden Knights trailing the Edmonton Oilers 3–1 and facing elimination. After dropping the first two games of the series at home, Vegas responded with a gutsy 4–3 win in Game 3 but fell 3–0 in Game 4. Three of the four games have been decided by one goal or in overtime, highlighting just how close this series has been despite Edmonton’s series lead.

Vegas needs a stronger performance on home ice after being outscored 9–6 in Games 1 and 2. Jack Eichel leads the Golden Knights with 10 points in nine playoff games, but secondary scoring has dried up. Pavel Dorofeyev, who led Vegas with 35 goals in the regular season, has just one goal in seven postseason games. The Golden Knights need Dorofeyev, Ivan Barbashev, and Mark Stone to help carry the offensive load in this must-win situation.

Special teams have surprisingly favored Vegas. The Golden Knights are 3-for-12 on the power play in the series, while their penalty kill has held the Oilers to just 1-for-9. That’s a critical edge against an Edmonton team that posted the league’s most dangerous power play during the regular season.

Goaltender Adin Hill enters Game 5 with a 3.16 goals-against average and an .874 save percentage in the series. He was solid in Game 3 but has struggled to consistently deny Edmonton’s high-danger chances. He’ll need to be sharp against a motivated Oilers team.

Edmonton remains led by its two superstars. Connor McDavid has 18 points through nine playoff games, while Leon Draisaitl is right behind him with 15. Their speed, creativity, and chemistry continue to overwhelm defenses, even without consistent power play production.

Stuart Skinner posted a 23-save shutout in Game 4, his best game of the postseason after a rocky start. While questions remain about his consistency, Skinner’s strong performance in a pivotal road game gives Edmonton a major confidence boost heading into Game 5.

Best Bet: Vegas Golden Knights Moneyline (-125)

Vegas is in desperation mode and that’s a dangerous spot for a battle-tested, championship caliber group. They’ve held the edge on special teams, and their stars should respond with their backs against the wall. With Edmonton’s power play finally contained and home-ice urgency in play, this is a strong bounce-back opportunity. Back the Golden Knights to extend the series and force a Game 6.