The Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights square off in Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at T-Mobile Arena, following a thrilling Game 1 that saw Edmonton storm back from a two-goal deficit to win 5–3. The Oilers’ comeback marked their fifth consecutive postseason win after trailing, setting an NHL record for rally victories and underscoring the team’s resilience and offensive explosiveness when it matters most. Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid were once again at the center of the action, with Draisaitl continuing his remarkable postseason pace after finishing the regular season with 52 goals, and McDavid facilitating with unmatched vision, including 74 assists in the regular season. Edmonton’s elite power play, which converted at a 30.0% clip during the season, came through again in Game 1, helping shift momentum after a sluggish start, while their penalty kill remained stout at 84.6%. Goaltender Stuart Skinner played a key role in the win, weathering the early storm from Vegas and finishing strong with a 2.34 goals-against average. On the other side, the Golden Knights had a prime opportunity to hold serve on home ice, leading 3–1 midway through the game, but were unable to withstand the late push from Edmonton’s top-heavy attack. Jack Eichel led the way with a goal and an assist, continuing his standout campaign after tallying 87 points in the regular season, and he’ll again be counted on to generate offense and counter the Oilers’ speed through the neutral zone. Vegas boasts a lethal power play of their own, operating at a 31.7% success rate, and they will look to exploit Edmonton’s occasional discipline lapses.

Defensively, however, the Knights broke down in transition, something head coach Bruce Cassidy will want to clean up heading into Game 2. Goaltender Adin Hill has been solid all season with a 2.36 GAA, but he’ll need more help in front to prevent odd-man rushes and high-danger chances that the Oilers thrive on. Both teams possess the firepower to score in bunches, but Game 1’s second half showed that Edmonton’s offensive ceiling might simply be higher if left unchecked. The key for Vegas in Game 2 will be to keep the game five-on-five, maintain puck possession in the offensive zone, and limit Edmonton’s transition opportunities. For the Oilers, the plan remains clear: lean on the superstars, push pace, draw penalties, and let their league-best power play dictate the terms. The Oilers have now taken three of their last five head-to-head matchups against the Knights and hold all the momentum after a historic road win, but Vegas has proven to be resilient, especially on home ice. Game 2 will be about adjustments—whether Vegas can tighten their defensive structure and finish chances early, or if Edmonton can continue dictating pace and break games wide open with their lethal top six. Either way, fans should expect another high-speed, high-scoring battle between two of the West’s most offensively gifted squads.