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Missed Chances And Lack Of Crunch Time Goals Caused VGK’s Second Round Exit

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On May 17, 2025

In Team Ops

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

The Golden Knights have now been shut out seven times in their playoff history. As we are all painfully aware, in the final two games of the Second Round against the Edmonton Oilers. That’s 28% of their entire postseason droughts in one short series. Obviously, Vegas struggled to score in the final two contests but looking back at their offseason and deadline decisions, should fans be surprised?

I wouldn’t overreact to the fact that we didn’t score enough goals. It wasn’t a chronic issue that you would have expected to be our demise in the postseason.” -McCrimmon

This season the Golden Knights scored 11 more goals than they did last season and allowed 39 fewer. It should be considered a major success. Based on the final standings and seasonal statistics, Vegas looked to be in a better position to make a deeper run than they were a year ago. Unfortunately, neither of the last two rosters qualified for the final four. When only two years prior, the Golden Knights were the last club standing.

Unfortunately, we lost too many close games. That was the difference. We didn’t score the last two games. That’s the difference. – William Karlsson

In 2023, Vegas had a true blend of balance on defense, goaltending, and offense. This postseason, there was a significant imbalance. Especially against the Oilers in the Second Round. Against Edmonton, Vegas’ inefficiencies on offense were a glaring problem. Of course, the Golden Knights blue liners had problems of their own, but they didn’t lose in five due to poor defense. It was VGK’s 12 forwards that earned the lion’s share of the blame. In key moments, the goals didn’t come.

VGK’s Missed Shots vs. Edmonton

  • Ivan Barbashev: 8 Missed Shots (7 Missed Wide, 0% Shooting Percentage)
  • William Karlsson: 7 Missed Shots (5 Missed Wide, 1 Missed Short, 1 Post, 28.6% Shooting Percentage)
  • Victor Olofsson: 7 Missed Shots (7 Missed Wide, 20% Shooting Percentage)
  • Brett Howden: 7 Missed Shots (7 Missed Wide, 0% Shooting Percentage)
  • Jack Eichel: 6 Missed Shots (3 Missed Wide, 2 Missed Over, 1 Crossbar, 0% Shooting Percentage)
  • Nic Roy: 6 Missed Shots (6 Missed Wide, 25% Shooting Percentage)
  • Brandon Saad: 5 Missed Shots (5 Missed Wide, 0% Shooting Percentage)
  • Shea Theodore: 5 Missed Shots (5 Missed Wide, 0% Shooting Percentage)

On top of the constant shots missing wide from the Golden Knights, they were also hampered by the Oilers’ willingness to block shots. Edmonton recorded 104 blocked shots in five games against Vegas. That combined with VGK’s elevated missed shot total, and it’s no surprise they went scoreless for the final six periods of the series.

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GAME 5 – EDMONTON OILERS 1 VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 0 (EDM Win Series 4-1)

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On May 14, 2025

In Game Recaps

Recap: The Golden Knights were looking to stay alive and avoid elimination with a Game 5 victory at home. Both teams traded chances in the opening period, but neither could find the back of the net. Vegas ended the period with only five shots on net.

Vegas killed off their second penalty early in the middle frame, frustrating Edmonton’s high-powered power play. However, both teams played to another scoreless stalemate after 40 minutes of Game 5.

Game 5 remained scoreless for the entire third period and would have to be decided in overtime.

The Golden Knights extended their Second Round series with a 1-0 Game 5 victory in OT. The series will shift to Edmonton for a crucial Game 6. Puck drop is scheduled for Friday night at 630PM PT.

The Golden Knights fall 1-0 to the Oilers and were eliminated from the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs.(Recap by Jason)

Analysis: An incredibly low-event hockey game led to both teams really struggling to get to the front of the net. Both teams broke the puck out the best they have all series long, but a good portion of them for each team were uncontrolled which meant a lot of time spent in the neutral zone. In overtime, it was a similar to the problem that plagued VGK in Game 4. The Oilers gained access to the zone too easily, then a battle around the front of the goal went Edmonton’s way. One of the most impressive statistical regular seasons goes down with a whimper. Zero goals in 2 games against the Edmonton Oilers. (Recap by Ken)

Upcoming stories from Game 5 of the Second Round series between the Vegas Golden Knights vs Edmonton Oilers at T-Mobile Arena.

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The Three Issues That Plagued VGK Worst In Game 4

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On May 13, 2025

In Team Ops

Photo Credit: Ken Boehlke, SinBin.vegas

Trailing 2-1 in the series, Game 4 on the road was not a good time for the Golden Knights to play their worst game of the 2025 postseason. From the moment the puck was dropped, the intensity level from the Oilers went up, and Vegas never matched it.

That manifested itself in a quick 2-0 lead for Edmonton, and despite a trio of 1st period power plays, the Golden Knights could not find enough consistency in their offensive game. In the end, they were shutout by one of the most maligned goalies in the NHL playoffs and are now facing the task of winning three straight games to rescue their season.

I don’t think we dictated the pace of the game and that’s something we’ll have to fix for the next game -Reilly Smith

There were plenty of problems to go around in the only lopsided game of the series to this point, but here are the three places VGK fell short.

Protecting Adin Hill’s Crease

In the 1st period, specifically, it was open season in the blue paint in front of Adin Hill. Not even 90 seconds into the game, Adam Henrique found himself uncovered five feet away from the goal after a VGK turnover under the red line. That seemed to agitate Hill as he ended up shoving Zach Hyman after a post-whistle bump, he purposely stuck his leg out and acted like he’d been tripped as Mattias Janmark skated harmlessly through and then when Evander Kane came toppling over him (pushed in by Brayden McNabb?) after the second goal, all hell broke loose.

They went in there a number of times. That’s a conversation we’ll have. We have to protect the area. (Adin) pushed back and showed some emotion and that’s part of playoff hockey. Whether they go there or not we’ve got to be stiff in there. It’s part of our team identity, we just have to take care of business there. At least get sticks on pucks and see what happens from there. -Bruce Cassidy

Hill has always been willing to stick up for himself when skaters take what he considers to be liberties in his area. That certainly raised the temperature of Game 4, which ultimately backfired on the Golden Knights, but typically, that’s not the reason protecting the front of the goal is crucial for Vegas.

When the Golden Knights are going well, getting to the front of their goal is a near-impossible task. Last night, it was anything but that. The Oilers lived in the low slot, and they eventually got paid off for it.

In Game 5 (and hopefully 6 and 7), that’s the single most important improvement the Golden Knights must make. Force the Oilers back to making plays around the outside and their offense will feel much less dangerous.

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GAME 4 – EDMONTON OILERS 3 VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 0 (EDM 3-1)

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On May 12, 2025

In Game Recaps

Recap: The Golden Knights were seeking to even up the series with a Game 4 victory in Edmonton. With under two minutes into the game the Oilers took an immediate lead. The opening period was messy with multiple penalties for each team. Once things settled down the Oilers scored again taking a 2-0 advantage.

Both teams traded chances in the middle frame but only Edmonton was able to find the back of the net. After 40 minutes the Oilers held on to a 3-0 edge.

Edmonton defended and played conservatively in the final twenty minutes. Vegas had a handful of quality chances but Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner stood tall and completed the 3-0 shutout.

The Golden Knights drop Game 4 and now trail the Oilers 3-1 in the best-of-seven game series. The two teams will face off again on Wednesday night in Las Vegas. Puck drop for Game 5 is scheduled for 6:30PM PT. (Recap by Jason)

Analysis: It only took a few minutes for this game to pick up in intensity and unfortunately, the Golden Knights did not respond to it as well as the Oilers did. Edmonton was flying around and VGK couldn’t seem to get their feet out of the mud. They allowed chances all around the net and ultimately found themselves in a dangerous hole. Then, their pushback just wasn’t strong enough. The forecheck never ramped up, they never found a way to spend much time in the O-Zone, and their low-to-high game paid no dividends. Getting shutout in a playoff game always hurts, doing it to a guy sporting a +5.00 GAA is devastating. (Recap by Ken)

Upcoming stories from Game 4 of the Second Round series between the Vegas Golden Knights vs Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place.

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Edmonton’s MVP Candidate Deflated By Vegas’ Pressure

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On May 12, 2025

In Team Ops

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

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.

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GAME 3 – VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 4 EDMONTON OILERS 3 (EDM 2-1)

By

On May 10, 2025

In Game Recaps

Recap: The Golden Knights were looking to pick up their first series win against the Oilers with a victory in Game 3. Edmonton quickly took a two-goal lead, but Vegas chipped away and evened the score 2-2 before the intermission. First Nic Roy cut the Oilers lead in half and then Reilly Smith tied the game :54 seconds apart.

Vegas was forced to start the middle frame without captain Mark Stone due to injury. Both teams traded power play chances, but neither could take advantage. With under three minutes in the period William Karlsson and Noah Hanifin teamed up to score the tie-breaking goal. After 40 minutes the Golden Knights held a 3-2 edge.

The Golden Knights locked down defensively in the final period of Game 3. With time winding down in the game Edmonton’s Connor McDavid tied the game 3-3. With 0.4 seconds left in the contest, Smith improbably scored his second goal to defeat the Oilers 4-3.

The Golden Knights defeated the Oilers 4-3 to take Game 3 in Edmonton. The best-of-seven series will continue on Monday evening in Alberta. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:30 PM. (Recap by Jason)

Analysis: A lackluster start dug a pretty deep hole for the Golden Knights. But once they got behind by two, despite losing the captain, they turned their game up to a level it hasn’t gotten to in this series (maybe in the playoffS). They used puck support and quick north-south passing to back the Oilers off. VGK’s depth came through with a couple of big goals and then William Karlsson had a mega shift to give Vegas the lead. They continued playing well in the 3rd but McDavid got loose and banked one it off McNabb. However, the best player in the game by a wide margin, Karlsson, made the most incredible 1-on-4 forecheck with just seconds to go and got it out to Smith who waited out Skinner and won the game with 0.4 seconds to go. What a win for the Golden Knights who are now alive and well in this Second Round series. (Recap by Ken)

Upcoming stories from Game 3 of the Second Round series between the Vegas Golden Knights vs Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place.

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Golden Knights Must Turn Frustration Into Fury In Game 3

By

On May 10, 2025

In Game Analysis

(Photo Credit: NHL on ESPN)

There are two options for the Golden Knights tonight.

Option 1: Allow frustration to be the prevailing emotion that sinks the season.

Option 2: Use what happened in Game 2 as fuel to turn a desperate team into an unstoppable force.

There’s no questioning the fact that they were jobbed on Thursday night in overtime. Victor Arvidsson’s can-opener trip had every Golden Knights player and the coach up in arms while it sent Brayden McNabb to the trainer’s table rather than on the ice trying to stop Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. It made national news, spanning well beyond just the little bubble hockey tends to live in. It struck a chord in just about everyone, and now it’s about the response.

One of Bruce Cassidy’s favorite sayings is “frustration is a useless emotion.” Any time he’s asked a question using the word, he defaults to the same quote. (Here’s once in Vegas and another from his time in Boston) This message must get through to his players tonight, as frustration over the missed call, the missed opportunity, and the current situation is inevitable. If the Golden Knights allow frustration to control them, Rogers Place and the red-hot Edmonton Oilers will eat them alive.

Instead, Vegas need to dig deep into a place they haven’t had to dig too much in their history. They need to turn that frustration into a burning passion to right the ship and continue on in the journey they believe they deserve to be on. Think back to the missed call against San Jose and look at how that team responded to open the next season by beating their nemesis Sharks two times in a row 4-1 and 5-1. Think back to the start of the season in 2022-23 after they missed the playoffs the year before. VGK got off to an incredible 13-2-0 start and rode it all the way to the Cup. Think back to the only other time the Golden Knights have been in an 0-2 hole in a playoff series. They ripped off four straight wins against a team just about everyone believed was destined to win the Cup.

The eight-year history of the Golden Knights has been fairly blessed, so they may not have the experience of other franchises, but there are countless other examples inside of seasons or even inside of postseasons. But there are examples the other way as well. Most notably, the game this year in which Tomas Hertl passed up on an empty net and allowed the Buffalo Sabres to steal a win from them. The next day in Detroit, frustration rued the day, and the Red Wings smashed Vegas 3-0.

There’s a quote from the end of last season from Mark Stone that the team can lean on in this moment.

People say it’s addicting and it is. I live for this shit. You want to be competing for the Stanley Cup so when you do lose its hard. It kind of crushes your soul for a few days. We’ve always been good at using things as a chip on our shoulder, we need to use this as another chip. -Mark Stone on 5/5/24 after Game 7 loss vs DAL

A few souls were crushed when Draisaitl banged in the game-winner two nights ago. Couple it with the bad call, the injured teammate, the near suspension, the away crowd, the historical stats for teams down 0-2, and the intense doubt swirling around the team right now, and use it as the biggest chip that’s ever been on a team’s shoulders.

Games 1 and 2 were close, the Golden Knights are absolutely capable of beating this Oilers team. Turning the tide on this series is a hurry. They must be in the right mindset right here, right now, tonight in Alberta, otherwise, the “useless emotion” is going to linger for the next five months.

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