Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the Vegas Golden Knights vs Edmonton Oilers. Keep checking our NHL predictions throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions
Vegas Golden Knights vs Edmonton Oilers
Series: Golden Knights 1 – 1 Oilers
Our featured and only game has the Golden Knights looking to rebound against the Oilers. Edmonton’s power play wreaked havoc in Game 2 and Leon Draisaitl continued his torrid scoring pace. Ivan Barbashev spoiled the shutout bid for the Oilers. Laurent Brossoit is slated to be the starter once again, but there could be some chatter about Jonathan Quick getting a start. This team still misses Logan Thompson in net, but Brossoit has played pretty well this post-season. Vegas will need to use some more of that Game 1 magic to take back the series lead. Mark Stone has had his hands full in dealing with both Connor McDavid and Draisaitl.
Edmonton is coming with a lot of momentum after their deadly power play took hold in Game 2. McDavid made an all-world play to get a shorthanded marker for the Oilers. Evan Bouchard has been a menace on the point with the Oilers’ power play. Stuart Skinner only allowed one goal in Game 2 and settled down after a shaky series opener. Edmonton used its speed and kept Vegas off their game. The home crowd in Edmonton will be loud for its taste of the second round. Another good game by the Oilers defence and supporting cast will give them a series lead.
Vegas is capable of silencing a home crowd and rebounding from a bad game. The Knights did so after a bad playoff opener against the Winnipeg Jets. However, the Oilers will punish the Knights if they can’t stay out of the penalty box.
Prediction: Oilers win 4-3.
Main photo by: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
