The Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights are set to begin a rematch of the 2023 second round playoff series tonight, May 7, 2025. Game 1 will take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where the Golden Knights hold home-ice advantage. This matchup stirs memories of their previous playoff clash, where the Golden Knights emerged victorious in six games, and both teams are eager to prove themselves once again.
In the lead-up to the series, NHL.com gathered insights from a panel of experts, revealing a divided outlook on the matchup. Out of 16 analysts, 10 predicted the Golden Knights would prevail, largely due to their home advantage and depth across the roster. The Oilers, however, are not to be underestimated, having shown resilience and skill in their recent playoff journey.
Adin Hill, the Golden Knights' goaltender, will be starting in net for Game 1. Hill, who replaced Laurent Brossoit during the 2023 playoffs, has been a pivotal player for Vegas. Despite a somewhat shaky performance in the first round against the Minnesota Wild, where he posted a 2.83 GAA and an .880 save percentage, Hill is ready to face the high-octane Oilers offense. "It’ll be good, high intensity. Guessing it will be pretty physical out there, maybe a little chippy. There’s going to be a lot of good hockey players on the ice," Hill stated, reflecting on the anticipated intensity of the matchup.
The Oilers, coming off a dramatic series win against the Los Angeles Kings, are riding a wave of confidence. After falling behind 2-0 in their last series, they rallied to win four straight games, showcasing their offensive prowess. Connor McDavid, the captain, has been instrumental in setting the tone for the playoffs, stating, "We are ready to roll!" His leadership and skill will be crucial as the Oilers aim for revenge against the Golden Knights.
Historically, the Oilers and Golden Knights have engaged in high-scoring affairs, with an average of 6.3 goals per game in their previous matchups. The Oilers boast one of the top offenses in the league, with a power play that ranks second at 38.5%, just behind the Kings' 40%. In contrast, the Golden Knights have a solid power play of their own at 27.8%, but their penalty kill has been a weakness, ranking 26th in the league at 75.7%.
Special teams are expected to play a pivotal role in this series. The Oilers will need to capitalize on their power play opportunities while tightening their penalty kill, which struggled against the Kings. Despite their defensive shortcomings, the Oilers have six players with five or more points in the playoffs, compared to just two for the Golden Knights, highlighting their offensive depth.
As both teams prepare for the faceoff, the focus will be on the goaltenders. Calvin Pickard is set to start for the Oilers after winning four straight games against the Kings. His performance will be scrutinized, especially considering his vulnerability to high shots and plays in traffic. Analysts have noted that Pickard's lateral movement can expose him, a factor the Golden Knights will likely exploit.
In terms of player matchups, the Golden Knights feature a strong center lineup with Jack Eichel and Tomas Hertl leading the charge. Eichel, with 28 goals and 94 points in the regular season, and Hertl, with 32 goals and 61 points, provide a formidable challenge for the Oilers' defense. The Oilers will need to rely on their speed and puck movement to break through the Golden Knights' defensive structure, which has been bolstered by strong performances from their blue line.
Both teams have experienced turnover since their last playoff meeting, with only nine players remaining on the Oilers' roster from the 2023 series, while the Golden Knights have retained 13. This shift could impact the intensity and emotional stakes of the series, as players may not carry the same level of animosity from their prior encounters.
As the puck drop approaches, anticipation builds. Fans are eager to see how the teams will adapt their strategies and whether the Oilers can exploit the Golden Knights' weaknesses. With the game set to begin at 9:30 p.m. ET, both teams will look to establish an early advantage in this crucial playoff series.
In conclusion, the Oilers and Golden Knights are poised for a thrilling match that promises to deliver high-stakes hockey. With both teams showcasing elite talent and a desire for victory, fans can expect an exhilarating start to this playoff rematch.
