The Edmonton Oilers faced off against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 3 of their divisional final on Saturday, May 10, 2025, with the stakes higher than ever. The Oilers were looking to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, while the Golden Knights aimed to turn the tide in their favor.
Right from the get-go, the atmosphere was electric, with Oilers' Vasily Podkolzin boasting an impressive postseason average of 4.61 points per 60 minutes, ranking fourth in the NHL. The excitement was palpable as Oilers fans witnessed the #Oilers5050 jackpot soar to over $2 million ahead of the game, a testament to the community's support.
As the first period unfolded, the Oilers struck first. Veteran forward Corey Perry opened the scoring with a wrist shot off a feed from Connor McDavid, putting Edmonton up 1-0. Perry, who has been a crucial player for the Oilers this postseason, scored again shortly after, tipping in a power-play goal to extend the lead to 2-0. This marked Perry's fourth and fifth goals of the playoffs, showcasing his knack for finding the back of the net when it matters most.
However, the Golden Knights were not to be outdone. Just minutes after falling behind, they rallied, with Nicolas Roy scoring to cut the deficit to 2-1. The momentum shifted dramatically as Reilly Smith followed suit, scoring just 55 seconds later to tie the game at 2-2. The Oilers, who had started strong, found themselves in a precarious position as they headed into the first intermission.
Things took a turn for the worse for Edmonton when Golden Knights' William Karlsson scored the only goal of the second period, giving Vegas a 3-2 lead. This goal came as the Oilers struggled to maintain their earlier momentum, and it highlighted a series of defensive lapses that had begun to plague them. As the period progressed, it became clear that the Oilers were hanging their goaltender, Stuart Skinner, out to dry. Skinner, who was starting for the first time in six games due to Calvin Pickard's day-to-day status with an undisclosed injury, had already faced significant pressure.
Despite Skinner's efforts, which included turning aside 13 of the 16 shots he faced, the Oilers' defensive breakdowns were evident. The Golden Knights capitalized on these mistakes, with Karlsson’s goal being a product of a poor line change by the Oilers, leading to a 4-on-2 rush that they converted with precision. The Oilers' coaching staff, led by Kris Knoblauch, was surely frustrated as they watched their team implode after a promising start.
As the game progressed, the social media landscape lit up with reactions. Sportsnet Stats highlighted Podkolzin's impressive postseason performance, while fans expressed their concerns about the goaltending situation. "The starting goalie struggled in the playoffs and now the backup, who was playing well, is hurt," lamented one fan, encapsulating the anxiety surrounding the Oilers' crease. In contrast, Oilers fan Waddsy expressed optimism about Skinner's potential, saying, "I’m actually excited to see Skinner get the net. Picks has been good, but Oilers need Skinner going if they want to make a deep run."
Throughout the game, the tension was palpable. Edmonton's Mark Spector noted, "Bouchard may have saved a goal there, with Barbashev on the doorstep," emphasizing the importance of defensive plays in a high-stakes playoff matchup. Yet, the Oilers' defensive letdowns were becoming too frequent, with Spector adding, "Defensive let downs — a rough turnover by Draisaitl, and a weak effort by Podkolzin and Arvidsson — and Vegas climbs right back into this game."
The second period ended with the Golden Knights leading 3-2, leaving the Oilers with a mountain to climb in the final 20 minutes. The Oilers were still in the driver’s seat for the series, leading 2-0, but they needed to regroup quickly if they hoped to avoid a costly loss. With Game 4 looming on Monday evening in Edmonton, the pressure was mounting for both teams.
Looking ahead, the Oilers must address their defensive issues and find a way to support Skinner in goal. As the playoffs continue, every game becomes increasingly critical, and with the Golden Knights showing resilience, the Oilers will need to bring their best effort to the ice.
As the clock ticked down, fans were left wondering whether the Oilers could rally back in the final period. The stakes are high, and with the series hanging in the balance, the excitement remains palpable. Will the Oilers find their footing and take a commanding lead, or will the Golden Knights continue their comeback? Only time will tell as this thrilling playoff series unfolds.
