After a challenging round 1 for both teams, the Vegas Golden Knights and the Edmonton Oilers are locked in for an epic clash in the coming second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. This sets up one of the best series in the postseason with multiple intense showdowns to look out for, but this one may have bigger returns for fans to enjoy.

This marks the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with Vegas winning their previous encounter in the 2023 Western Conference Second Round in six games. Both teams had strong regular seasons, with the Golden Knights finishing first in the Pacific Division with a 50–22–10 record, while the Oilers secured third place at 48–29–5.

Zach Hyman has played hero for the Edmonton Oilers as they struck first with a 4-2 win to beat the Vegas Golden Knights in a key showdown. This was the Oilers’ first Game 1 win in a playoff series since 2006—yes, you read that right—and it couldn’t have come at a better time. With high expectations and a deep, dangerous opponent in Vegas, Edmonton needed a tone-setting performance. And they got it.

Oilers Flexing Key Improvements

Leon Draisaitl continues to be the engine of this Oilers squad. While he didn’t put on a four-goal show like we've seen before, he was pivotal in both ends of the ice. His leadership, puck control, and smart decision-making helped stabilize the team during key moments when the Golden Knights threatened to shift momentum.

Goaltender Stuart Skinner deserves major credit. His performance between the pipes was cool and composed, turning away a flurry of high-danger chances from a relentless Vegas offense. He wasn’t perfect—but he didn’t need to be. He was solid when it mattered most, especially during a crucial third-period penalty kill.

What made this win even more impressive was how balanced the Oilers looked. This wasn’t just a McDavid-Draisaitl show (though they were certainly involved). The bottom-six forwards stepped up with strong shifts, and the defense corps moved the puck efficiently while limiting second-chance opportunities.

What's Next for Vegas

Vegas showed flashes of the championship-caliber pressure that won them the Cup last year. Ivan Barbashev was physical and relentless on the forecheck. Chandler Stephenson continued his trend of rising in big games, netting one of Vegas’ two goals. Jack Eichel, while held relatively quiet, looked ready to erupt in Game 2.

The Knights also hit a couple of posts, missed a few key chances, and arguably could have flipped the script with a bounce or two. Their trademark depth and tenacity were evident throughout the night.

Vegas doesn’t panic. They adjust. Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy will be reviewing tape with a fine-tooth comb—expect line adjustments, tighter neutral zone play, and maybe a shift in special teams strategy.

Whoever wins this series will take on the winner between the Winnipeg Jets and the Dallas Stars on the other side of the bracket. Both teams have proven to be elite when it comes to the postseason, and this series is the chance to showcase their big game.

After all, analysts anticipate a closely contested series, with some projecting it to extend to seven games. Vegas' depth and discipline may give them an edge, but Edmonton's star power makes them formidable opponents. This may yet turn out to be a promising showdown to remember in the playoffs.