So far, the second-round matchup between the Vegas Golden Knights vs Edmonton Oilers has not disappointed. Vegas holds a 2-1 series lead after a 5-1 blowout Monday night in Edmonton. It’s been a back-and-forth affair, with each team grabbing games in a decisive fashion. The stars have shown up, and some unexpected heroes may get the chance to shine. Here are some of the biggest keys to the series so far.
Vegas Golden Knights vs Edmonton Oilers Series Heats Up
Power Play vs Even Strength
Special teams were always going to play a role in this series. The Oilers have the best power play in the league, and they’ve used it to their advantage through three games. Of the ten goals the Oilers have scored so far, five have come on the power-play and one shorthanded goal from Connor McDavid in Game 2. In contrast, just one of Vegas’s twelve goals has been scored on the power-play. Edmonton has the advantage when they go man-up, but Vegas has been winning the battle at 5v5.
The penalties have been a sore spot for both teams. After a particularly rough Game 2 that saw a combined 124 penalty minutes, the teams traded verbal blows in post-game media in addition to the physical blows they had given each other during the game. Temperatures are rising between the two teams, and it will be something to keep an eye on as the series progresses. Vegas was the least-penalized team in the regular season, but they must keep their composure to limit Edmonton’s chances on the man advantage. Edmonton will want to continue to draw penalties and utilize their biggest weapon.
Splitting the Oilers’ Stars
A last key to the series will be what the Oilers decide to do with their superstars. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisatl have played next to each other on the Oilers’ top line throughout the series. They’ve been successful, scoring eight of Edmonton’s ten goals between the two of them. However, the Golden Knights have been able to capitalize 5v5 against the rest of the team. The Golden Knights have outscored the Oilers 5-1 when McDavid and Draisatl are on the bench. Players like Jonathan Marchessault and Jack Eichel have been able to take advantage. The Oilers will have to make adjustments at 5v5 if they want to hold off the Golden Knights.
The Oilers should split up McDavid and Draisatl, deploying them on the top two lines to create more hassle for the Golden Knights’ best players. It allows them to roll more lines as an actual scoring threat and potentially limit the offensive chances of Vegas’ top lines. It also means they can get players like Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins more involved, both of whom have been noticeably quiet in the series. However, McDavid and Draisatl are unquestionably better together, so it’s a gamble to switch up a pairing that’s been successful.
Goaltending Changes
One of the other big storylines in this series has been goaltending. Neither team has much experience in the net, with the Oilers starting 24-year-old Stuart Skinner and Vegas rolling with Laurent Brossoit in his playoff debut. Both have been solid, but changes may be incoming for both teams.
After letting in four Vegas goals, Stuart Skinner was taken out of Monday’s Game 3. Backup Jack Campbell came in to replace him for the last 27 minutes of the game, giving up one more in Vegas’ 5-1 win. Skinner has been good for Edmonton through the regular season, putting up a .914 save percentage and 2.75 GAA. However, his inexperience in the playoffs may be starting to show. The Oilers are now faced with the decision of keeping Skinner in the net or letting Campbell take the reins.
Vegas might also be looking at a goalie change due to injury rather than performance. Laurent Brossoit was injured about twelve minutes into Game 3, and Adin Hill came in to replace him, playing his first meaningful minutes since being injured in March. Hill was excellent, stopping 24 shots in the win. It’s disappointing for Laurent Brossoit, who’s been playing the best hockey of his career, but Hill looks more than ready to shoulder the load.
Main photo by: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
