LAS VEGAS, NV – The Edmonton Oilers faced the Vegas Golden Knights on April 1, 2025, at T-Mobile Arena in a highly anticipated matchup. The Oilers, currently struggling with injuries to key players, were looking to secure a vital win against the division-leading Golden Knights, who were riding high on a six-game winning streak. The puck dropped just after 7 p.m. ET, setting the stage for an exciting showdown.
With a record of 42-26-5, the Oilers were two points behind the Los Angeles Kings in the Pacific Division standings, making this game crucial for their playoff aspirations. The Golden Knights, boasting a strong 45-20-8 record, were looking to clinch their seventh postseason berth in eight years with a win. They had recently completed a successful three-game road trip, including a 3-1 victory over the Nashville Predators just days prior.
For the Oilers, the absence of superstar Connor McDavid was a significant blow. McDavid, who has been sidelined with a lower body injury, joined the team on the trip but remained in a non-contact jersey for the morning skate. This marked his fifth consecutive game missed. Goaltender Stuart Skinner was also out with an upper-body injury, leaving Calvin Pickard to start in net for the Oilers. This was Pickard's first career start against the Golden Knights, a team that selected him first overall in the 2017 Expansion Draft but never played him in a game.
“Great team over there,” Pickard said. “I was obviously taken in the Expansion Draft. Never played a regular season game here, and I just haven't had the chance to play here or start a game against them anywhere. It's exciting.” Pickard had recently made 26 saves in a 3-2 overtime victory against the Calgary Flames, earning his 18th win of the season.
The Oilers' projected lineup included notable players such as Leon Draisaitl, who leads the league with 51 goals, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The team also featured Vasily Podkolzin, Viktor Arvidsson, and Zach Hyman, among others. Their defensive lineup consisted of Jake Walman, Evan Bouchard, and Darnell Nurse, with Calvin Pickard starting in goal alongside Olivier Rodrigue as the backup.
On the other side, the Golden Knights were in formidable form, with Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, and Ivan Barbashev leading the charge. Eichel, who had been named the NHL's first star for March 2025, was on a six-game point streak, contributing significantly to the team's offensive prowess. With 93 points on the season, he had a history of success against the Oilers, having scored eight goals and 21 points in 19 career games against them.
“It's a team that we see quite often and a team that we're always fighting with, so a great team,” Pickard noted about the Golden Knights. “They're good off the rush. They've got some big bodies, they get around the net pretty well, are a well-rounded team, so we're going to have to be ready.”
As the game progressed, the Golden Knights aimed to capitalize on their home advantage at T-Mobile Arena, where they had an impressive record of 27-7-3 this season. Their power play was also a significant factor, leading the league at 30.8%, while the Oilers' power play ranked eighth at 25.3%.
The tension in the arena was palpable as both teams battled fiercely for control. The Golden Knights were looking to extend their winning streak and solidify their position at the top of the division, while the Oilers were desperate to turn their fortunes around and make a statement without their star player.
Mark Stone was set to play his 700th NHL game, a milestone that added an extra layer of excitement to the matchup. With 231 goals and 633 points in his career, Stone's leadership and experience were invaluable to the Golden Knights as they prepared for the postseason.
As the game unfolded, the Oilers' resilience was put to the test. Despite being undermanned, they fought back against the Golden Knights' relentless offensive pressure. The matchup marked the fourth and final meeting between the two teams this season, with the Golden Knights leading the series 2-1 after winning the first two encounters. The Oilers had won the most recent matchup, however, and were eager to even the score.
With the clock ticking down, both teams exchanged scoring opportunities, showcasing their offensive talents and defensive strategies. The Golden Knights aimed to maintain their momentum, while the Oilers sought to capitalize on any mistakes made by their opponents.
As the final minutes approached, the intensity escalated. The Oilers needed a win to stay in contention for the playoffs, while the Golden Knights were determined to secure their place in the postseason. Fans were on the edge of their seats, fully aware that every moment could change the game’s outcome.
Ultimately, the matchup was not just about the game itself; it was a battle for playoff positioning, a test of depth and resilience for the Oilers, and a chance for the Golden Knights to prove their dominance in the division. With both teams vying for victory, the atmosphere was electric, and the stakes could not have been higher.
As the game concluded, the Oilers celebrated a hard-fought 3-2 victory, showcasing their determination despite the challenges they faced. The Golden Knights, while disappointed, remained focused on their playoff aspirations as they prepared for the next phase of the season.
This matchup highlighted the fierce competition in the Pacific Division, with both teams poised for a thrilling finish to the regular season. The Oilers’ victory not only boosted their playoff hopes but also set the stage for an exciting postseason showdown between these two rivals.
