The Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers square off in what could be a pivotal Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinal series on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Rogers Place in Edmonton, with the Oilers holding a commanding 2-0 series lead after securing both victories in Las Vegas. This series has thus far showcased Edmonton’s offensive firepower, structured defensive play, and the ability to convert on special teams—three areas that Vegas has struggled to match. The Oilers have ridden the dominant play of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who continue to be two of the most dangerous players in the NHL playoffs. McDavid’s ability to generate high-danger scoring chances through his speed and vision has consistently pulled Vegas defenders out of position, while Draisaitl’s lethal shot and net-front presence have made him a focal point of Edmonton’s power play, which has already struck multiple times in this series. The Golden Knights, meanwhile, have failed to contain Edmonton’s cycle game and have looked uncharacteristically passive, especially in transition, where they’re usually more assertive. Jack Eichel and Mark Stone have not yet made a significant impact, and the lack of depth scoring has put further pressure on the Golden Knights’ top-six forwards to carry the offensive load. Defensively, Vegas has given up too much time and space in the neutral zone, which has allowed Edmonton to build speed and enter the offensive zone with control—a dangerous scenario against a team with this much talent. Logan Thompson has had to face a barrage of high-quality scoring chances and while he’s made some critical saves, the defensive breakdowns in front of him have proven costly.

On the other end, Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner has been solid, if unspectacular, benefitting from a defense that has done a much better job limiting Vegas’ second-chance opportunities and keeping traffic away from the blue paint. Edmonton’s home record during the regular season and playoffs has been excellent, and the crowd at Rogers Place is expected to fuel the team’s energy even further in Game 3. For the Golden Knights to shift the momentum, they must disrupt the Oilers’ breakout, play with a more physical edge, and re-establish their forecheck to limit Edmonton’s zone exits. Special teams will also continue to be a major factor—Vegas must find a way to neutralize the Oilers’ top-ranked power play while also generating something from their own. The coaching matchup between Kris Knoblauch and Bruce Cassidy adds another layer of intrigue, as both will be making key in-series adjustments, but right now it’s Knoblauch’s Oilers who have dictated the style and pace of play. With a 3-0 series lead within reach, the Oilers are playing with confidence, pace, and discipline, while the Golden Knights are now desperate for a response to avoid falling into a nearly insurmountable hole. Game 3 could very well determine whether this becomes a long, grinding series or if Edmonton continues to cruise toward a conference finals appearance.