The Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights face off in a critical Game 5 of their Western Conference Semifinal series on May 14, 2025, at T-Mobile Arena with the series tied 2–2 and momentum hanging in the balance as each team looks to take control in what has become one of the most compelling matchups of the postseason. Both clubs have taken turns dictating the pace, with Edmonton leaning heavily on the star power of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, while Vegas has used its depth and defensive structure to keep the Oilers’ top-heavy offense in check. Game 4 saw Edmonton edge out the Golden Knights 3–2 in a hard-fought battle that highlighted the high stakes, but also exposed lingering concerns around the Oilers’ defensive play and goaltending, as starter Stuart Skinner has been underperforming with a .817 save percentage in his most recent outings and remains a question mark going forward. The Oilers’ firepower is undeniable—they’ve scored in bunches and own one of the most lethal power-play units in the NHL—but they have also struggled to sustain pressure when their top line is neutralized, placing added stress on a blue line that has yet to show playoff-level consistency. On the other side, the Golden Knights have countered with their trademark depth and resilience, rolling four lines that consistently wear down opponents and capitalizing on Edmonton’s defensive breakdowns to generate high-quality chances.

Jack Eichel continues to be a difference-maker, anchoring the top unit with poise and precision, while Tomas Hertl, Jonathan Marchessault, and Chandler Stephenson have chipped in with timely goals and smart puck movement, helping Vegas spread the offense and keep the Oilers from focusing solely on one line. Defensively, Vegas has held up well, with veterans like Alex Pietrangelo leading a disciplined unit that’s blocked shots, maintained strong gap control, and provided stability in front of goaltender Adin Hill, who has delivered solid and occasionally spectacular play between the pipes. Hill’s calm presence in net has allowed the Golden Knights to stay in tight games and protect leads late, a stark contrast to the Oilers, who have found themselves clinging to advantages or chasing momentum depending on Skinner’s performance. With Game 5 back in Las Vegas, where the Knights boast a strong puck line record and benefit from one of the league’s best home-ice atmospheres, the pressure will be on Edmonton to strike early and control tempo—something they’ve managed inconsistently in this series. Special teams could be a deciding factor, as the Oilers’ power play remains deadly, but Vegas has shown it can kill penalties and turn defensive stops into transition opportunities with remarkable speed. Ultimately, this pivotal Game 5 may come down to goaltending—if Skinner rebounds and Edmonton’s stars continue producing, they’ll have a chance to steal one on the road; if not, Vegas has the tools, structure, and home-ice momentum to regain the series edge and push the Oilers to the brink in Game 6.