We are hours away from the start of this year’s second-round matchup between the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights.
The last time these two met in the playoffs was in 2023, when Vegas booked their ticket to the Western Conference Final and eventually lifted the Stanley Cup in June. That series felt like a winner-take-all in the second round.
To get an idea of what the Oilers will be up against this time, I reached out to SinBin Vegas to get their perspective on the upcoming series. What do you think gives Vegas the edge over the Oilers in this series? Many Oilers fans feel confident, as if they’re underestimating the Golden Knights.
“The main reason for optimism for Vegas is Edmonton’s inability to keep the puck out of their own net. The Golden Knights have won 42 consecutive playoff games in which they’ve scored three goals, including four against the Oilers. With the questionable goaltending and loose defense, even with some of VGKs shortcomings, there’s a firm belief they’ll score at least three a night. Sure, the Kings had something similar going in that First Round series, but Vegas is a team that knows how to win playoff games, the Kings… Well, let’s just say they aren’t the Golden Knights.”
I love that answer. Our fanbase is riding high after winning four games in a row to take down the Kings, and many view Vegas as a lesser team than the one they faced in 2023. What are some differences between then and now with the Golden Knights?
“This version of the Golden Knights is not as good as the 2023 team. That team had much more balance through the forward lines and much more proven scoring. They were also a bit more physical and more responsible in the defensive zone. That being said, this year’s team has an uncanny way of finding ways to win. They rarely play a perfect game, but they are never out of a game and they are hard to come back against.”
From your point of view, what would need to happen for the Oilers to win this series? Unless you don’t see that happening.
“Similar to what they did to the Kings, the Oilers have to overwhelm the Golden Knights with offensive firepower. VGK are unlikely to generate a ton of offense of their top line of Jack Eichel, William Karlsson, and Mark Stone are not on the ice. Even if they split them apart there will still be one line that’s much more likely to generate consistently than the others. Vegas will get some contributions down the lineup but it likely won’t be enough to win the series. The Oilers need to get that consistent offense up and down the lineup. That will force Vegas to adjust and will make McDavid and Draisaitl even more dangerous. If their top line get offense from various places (including defensemen) Vegas will not be able to match up.”
I want to thank SinBin Vegas for all the insight on the Golden Knights. Their website offers a more in-depth analysis of what to expect from the Golden Knights. They have much going on, including a post-game show and live tweeting.
I’m sure both fan bases will ride the rollercoaster of emotions that is the NHL playoffs — this will be an enjoyable series to follow.
