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The Edmonton Oilers are just one win away from securing back-to-back Western Conference Final appearances. Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights are clinging to their playoff hopes as they prepare for a must-win Game 5 on home ice at T-Mobile Arena tonight.
Fast Start Is Crucial for Golden Knights
Vegas needs urgency early. In Game 4, the Oilers took control within 90 seconds and never looked back. Adam Henrique’s quick strike put Edmonton ahead, and his second goal late in the first period sealed Vegas’ fate in the 3-0 loss.
Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy is clear: a sluggish start won’t cut it.
“We have to be better in the first 10 minutes,” he stressed. “That’s when we set the tone.”
Historically, Vegas has struggled when trailing 3-1 in a series. They’ve never bounced back from that deficit. Only 9.1% of NHL teams have managed to do so.
History Isn’t on Vegas’ Side
Facing elimination, the Golden Knights hold a 3-5 playoff record, including 3-2 on home ice. They know they must push hard right from puck drop.
Jack Eichel emphasized cleaner breakouts and better execution. “It’s do-or-die now,” he admitted. “We need to be sharper and start strong.”
Cassidy echoed that sentiment, noting that a strong opening could shake Edmonton’s confidence. “If we get going, it puts doubt in them,” he said.
Edmonton Knows the Job Isn't Done Yet
The Oilers are focused and motivated. They’ve been in tight playoff scenarios before and understand the value of finishing strong.
“We need one good game,” said Edmonton forward Leon Draisaitl. “Let’s win tonight and move forward.”
Edmonton boasts a solid 42-19 record in series-clinching games, including 20 wins on the road. A win tonight would take them to the third round for a second straight season — a feat they last achieved from 1990 to 1992.
Physical Edge Favors Oilers
Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch highlighted how postseason hockey suits Evander Kane’s aggressive style. Kane has seven points in nine games since returning from injury.
“He thrives on physicality,” Knoblauch noted. “It’s harder to get to the net now, and that plays to his strength.”
Henrique’s Game 4 goals both came from close range, a sign that Edmonton is winning key puck battles near the net. Vegas must respond by protecting the slot and clearing out traffic in front of their goalie.
Vegas Must Challenge Skinner More
In Game 3, Edmonton goalie Stuart Skinner showed signs of shakiness. But in Game 4, he earned a shutout. Vegas failed to make him uncomfortable.
Cassidy wants more from his forwards in the gritty areas. “We gave up two goals right in front of our net,” he said. “We have to win those battles.”
Adin Hill: Bounce-Back Specialist?
Goaltender Adin Hill could be a key factor. He owns a 7-3 playoff record following losses, with a 2.56 GAA and two shutouts.
Only three goalies — Jake Oettinger, Sergei Bobrovsky, and Skinner — have more post-loss wins since Hill entered the 2023 playoffs.
Lineup Notes and Game-Time Decisions
Vegas could be missing several key players. Forwards Mark Stone and Brandon Saad, and defensemen Brayden McNabb and Alex Pietrangelo are all game-time decisions.
If Stone plays, Cole Schwindt is likely to sit. If McNabb and Pietrangelo return, Ben Hutton and Kaedan Korczak could be scratched.
Edmonton, meanwhile, will stick with the same lineup that shut out Vegas in Game 4.
Mindset: One Game at a Time
Golden Knights forward William Karlsson remains hopeful. “We’ve still got to believe,” he said. “One game at a time.”
Vegas needs more than belief, though — they need execution, intensity, and a fast start to stay alive.
Game 5 between the Oilers and Golden Knights begins tonight at 9:30 p.m. ET.
