Edmonton’s MVP Candidate Deflated By Vegas’ Pressure

With a win tonight, the Golden Knights will reset the series and reclaim home-ice advantage. Some of the storylines going into Game 4 are: how will Edmonton’s stars bounce back, and how will Vegas’ buzzer-beating thriller impact the future of the series? It’s possible that was the break Vegas needed to snatch control on the road. Especially when the Oilers are openly doubting themselves.

The first one I got stripped there. That’s on me. The quickness of the two of them deflated us a little bit. Obviously, it’s something to look at. – Leon Draisaitl, EDM center

After Vegas defeated Edmonton with 0.4 seconds on the clock, several players spoke about the energy being sucked out of the bench after the Golden Knights late 1st period flurry of goals in under a minute. One Oilers broadcaster added that it also took the life out of the building.

In Game 3, one of the league’s highest-paid players became a nationally televised detriment to his team. Of course, based on his illustrious career numbers, it’s highly unlikely Hart Trophy favorite Leon Draisaitl will have another dud performance. However, if the Golden Knights continue to contain him in one zone and expose him on the other end, they could be looking at an even series heading back to Las Vegas.

Leon Draisaitl’s Playoff History vs. Vegas

• 5/3/23 – 4 Goals, 2 PPG: VGK 6-4
• 5/6/23 – 2 Goals, PPG: EDM 5-1
• 5/8/23 – 0 Points, -2: VGK 5-1
• 5/10/23 – 1 Assist: EDM 4-1
• 5/12/23 – 0 Points, 3 Giveaways: VGK 4-3
• 5/14/23 – 0 Points, -4: VGK 5-2
• 5/6/25 – 1 Goal, 2 Points: EDM 4-2
• 5/8/25 – Game-Winning Goal: EDM 5-4
• 5/10/25 – 2 Assists, 4 Giveaways: VGK 4-3

On the surface, statistically, the NHL’s lone 50-goal scorer is having a fine start to the series. So far, Draisaitl has produced two goals and two assists in three games, with both goals coming in victories. It should be noted that Draisaitl quickly gave Connor McDavid full credit for creating Game 2’s overtime goal. As you look deeper, it’s the crucial gaffes that have made him, and Stuart Skinner, the current scapegoats in Edmonton. Realistically, Oilers fans should be praising the Golden Knights’ effort and execution.

We didn’t sort it out very well, to let the puck get into the slot. After that, it’s just unlucky. It’s unfortunate. It goes off my stick. I’m just trying to keep it out of the net, obviously. It’s just a bad bounce. – Draisaitl on Smith’s GWG

Take a look at how Vegas smartly jumps on a lazy group of Edmonton top liners. Watch Draisaitl (29) causally glide to the bench during the infamous shift change in Game 3. NHL.com’s Goal Visualizer highlights #29 in blue glance at William Karlsson picking up a puck and ignoring him on the way to the bench.

Between the bad changes and poor exit decisions from Draisaitl, and Darnell Nurse’s constant ineffective belly flops, the Golden Knights will continue to feast. Vegas has and will continue to expose the Oilers’ casual awareness, messy goaltending, and sliding defensemen.

We just got caught out there for a long time. It leads to not being able to sustain pressure. That can happen in 2nd periods where you have to defend a long time. You get one, maybe two guys off but we had more of a wholesale change. – Kris Knoblach, EDM coach

One last topic for tonight’s game is, can the Golden Knights penalty killers continue to keep Draisaitl off the board on the power play? Edmonton has the second-best power play percentage left in the postseason however, they’re below 15% through three games against Vegas. Neon Leon scored the second-most regular-season power-play goals in the NHL but has gone belly up against Vegas’ PK’ers.

Fans everywhere know Draisaitl and McDavid have the ability to take over any game in a blink. With Skinner in net, another break will likely fall for the current underdog. Maybe even enough silly turnovers where Draisaitl’s bounce back won’t matter.