Edmonton Oilers celebrate after defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in overtime of Game 2 of a second-round NHL hockey playoff series Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo)
Leon Draisaitl played hero in overtime, lifting the Edmonton Oilers to a dramatic 5-4 win over the Vegas Golden Knights. With just under five minutes left in OT, he scored off a slick feed from Connor McDavid, sealing the Game 2 victory and giving Edmonton a 2-0 lead in the second-round playoff series.
Missed Chance Turns Into Magic
Earlier in overtime, the Oilers had a golden opportunity. Vegas’ Nicolas Roy was handed a five-minute major for cross-checking. But Edmonton failed to capitalize. Still, the Oilers didn’t let that define their night. When McDavid and Draisaitl connected later, they made sure it counted.
A Team Effort Shines Bright
The Oilers saw goals from Vasily Podkolzin, Jake Walman, Darnell Nurse, and Evander Kane in regulation. Viktor Arvidsson and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins each recorded two assists, adding to the offensive push. Goaltender Calvin Pickard, who briefly looked shaken after Vegas forward Tomas Hertl fell on his leg in the third, stood strong with 28 saves.
Vegas Answers, But Falls Short
Victor Olofsson stood out for the Golden Knights with two power-play goals and an assist. Alex Pietrangelo added a goal and an assist, and William Karlsson also found the net. Jack Eichel notched three assists, and Mark Stone chipped in two more. Goalie Adin Hill made 33 saves but couldn't stop the final strike.
Kane Strikes Early in the Third
Evander Kane gave Edmonton a 4-2 lead early in the third, finishing just 1:52 into the period. But the Golden Knights refused to back down. Olofsson answered minutes later off a beautiful cross-ice pass from Eichel. Then Pietrangelo, returning from an illness, tied the game with a long-range shot with just over eight minutes left.
Oilers Rally After Slow Start
Vegas opened the scoring in the first period with Olofsson’s first career playoff goal, assisted by Eichel and Stone. Edmonton responded with a barrage of three goals in the second, each fired from long range. Vegas answered just before the period ended, when Karlsson redirected a shot to make it 3-2.
Historic Comeback Streak Grows
With Thursday's win, the Oilers notched their sixth consecutive comeback victory in this postseason — a franchise record. They trailed 1-0 after the first but once again stormed back, showing grit and resilience.
Vegas Faces Uphill Battle
This marks unfamiliar territory for the Golden Knights. In their eight-season history, they’ve never been swept in a playoff series. They did manage to come back from a 2-0 deficit in 2021 against Colorado — a series that also started on the road. But they’ve only been bounced in five games twice, most notably in the 2018 Stanley Cup Final.
Long-standing Streak Ends
Vegas’ loss also brought an end to a remarkable run. Their 42-game playoff win streak when scoring at least three goals is now history. Only the Montreal Canadiens had a longer streak — 52 games between 1945 and 1957.
What’s Next?
Game 3 is set for Saturday night in Edmonton. With the Oilers holding momentum and home ice, the pressure is squarely on Vegas to respond.
