Canada will have to wait a little bit longer for the Stanley Cup. The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Edmonton Oilers, Canada’s last team standing, in Game 6, extending the Canadian drought to 30 years. Jonathan Marchessault was the hero for Vegas, netting a natural hat trick in the second period to push the Golden Knights to a 5-2 victory. The win means that Vegas will advance to their fourth conference final in six seasons as a team. Let’s break down the keys to the series.
Vegas Golden Knights Defeat Edmonton Oilers in Six Games
Defensive Lockdown
The Vegas Golden Knights put on a defensive clinic in the last two games. The Oilers adjusted to split up Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, moving Draisaitl to play with Kailer Yamamoto and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Draisaitl had been superb through the playoffs, scoring 13 goals and five assists. But Vegas had the answer in the form of Jack Eichel. At 5v5 against Eichel, Draisaitl was effectively neutralized. After scoring six goals in the first two games of the series, Draisaitl was held scoreless across the next four and only recorded one assist in those four games.
Edmonton hoped splitting McDavid and Draisaitl would give them a scoring advantage. By placing their two best players on separate lines, the Oilers had more options for an offensive weapon no matter who was on the ice. However, the move backfired. Vegas was deep enough defensively to hold against both, and Draisaitl went cold at precisely the wrong moment. Head-to-head against Eichel, Draisaitl and the Oilers trailed 8-3 in shot attempts, 4-0 in high-danger chances, and 2-0 in goals. Eichel was able to rein Draisaitl in and disrupt the Oilers’ offence enough to give Vegas the advantage.
Inexperience in Goaltending Showing for Edmonton
A second key to the series was the goaltending. Stuart Skinner had a great regular season for Edmonton, even securing a Calder Trophy nomination for his efforts. But his inexperience returned to haunt him in the playoffs, as he was pulled again in Game 6. Skinner was yanked early four times in twelve playoff games and only finished one of the last four games against Vegas. He finishes his first playoff campaign with a .883 save percentage and a 3.68 GAA. Skinner has potential for the Oilers. He’s young and has room to grow. But if this team wants to be truly successful, they’ll need a stronger presence in the net.
In contrast, Adin Hill rose to the occasion for Vegas. Hill became a brick wall after letting in two early goals, making 39 consecutive saves to protect Vegas’ lead. Goaltending has been a constant worry for Vegas this season, but their players have consistently impressed in tough situations, and Hill was no different in this second-round series.
Vegas Stars Show Up
At the beginning of the series, the big questions were all surrounding Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl as the bonafide superstars of the NHL. However, it was Vegas’ stars who shone brightest on the big stage. While the Oilers floundered under decreased production from McDavid and Draisaitl, Vegas was getting consistent production from everyone that they were supposed to. Their offensive production was spread out, with each line contributing and converting on chances. The “Misfits” of Jonathan Marchessault, Reilly Smith, and William Karlsson were especially noticeable, as well as the efforts of Jack Eichel and Mark Stone. It ended up being enough to move the needle in Vegas’ favour.
What’s Next
This was a well-fought series between two teams whose styles of play complement each other well. The Oilers’ high-powered offensive game was opposed to Vegas’ more defensive mindset, but only one could come out on top.
Edmonton will be disappointed in the outcome of the season. The lack of tangible success is a tough pill to swallow for a team that is as purely talented as they are. They have their top six locked up for at least the next few seasons but will have to start thinking about different supporting pieces for McDavid and Draisaitl. Goaltending will be another area that Edmonton will be looking to improve.
Vegas will move on to their fourth conference final in six seasons, an unprecedented level of success. The team looks calm and confident, and are absolutely convinced of their ability to win a Stanley Cup. Slowly but surely, they’re convincing everyone else too.
Main Photo: Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports
