Edmonton Oilers vs Vegas Golden Knights Picks and Predictions May 10th 2025

Trailing 2-0, Golden Knights Face Critical Game 3 Against Oilers

The Vegas Golden Knights are staring down a steep climb in their Western Conference Semifinal matchup against the Edmonton Oilers. After losing the first two games of the series at home, they now travel to hostile territory in Edmonton for Game 3 — a moment that could define their playoff run.

The statistics are sobering. NHL teams that go up 2-0 on the road in a best-of-seven series boast a dominant 88-22 (.800) series win record. For Vegas, overcoming that kind of precedent will demand grit, execution, and perhaps a little luck.

1. Urgency Without Panic: Vegas’ Mental Game

Although it’s not officially a “must-win” scenario, Game 3 might as well be. Captain Mark Stone summed it up:

“Take the good, look at the bad, and be ready. We’ve got to win a game on Saturday night.”

The message is clear: while the ship isn’t sinking yet, it’s definitely taking on water.

2. The Power of Momentum—and How Edmonton Owns It

Game 2 ended in heartbreak for Vegas, a 5-4 overtime loss where they saw a 4-2 lead dissolve. Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl delivered the dagger, securing their sixth straight win in games where they’ve come from behind—a new NHL record.

Coach Bruce Cassidy acknowledged the pain but pointed out the bigger picture:

“That pendulum can swing if you stay with it. That’s the message.”

3. Injuries and Discipline: Vegas’ Roster Concerns

Two key blows compound Vegas’ situation:

• Defenseman Brayden McNabb is questionable after crashing into the boards in OT.
• Nicolas Roy faces potential suspension for a cross-check to the face, which earned him a game misconduct.

Cassidy called Roy’s action “very atypical,” but he didn’t dispute the major penalty, noting it was “the right call.”

The Best NHL

Handicapping Membership

Get Free Trial

4. Oilers’ Unexpected Edge: Depth Beyond Stars

In past playoff runs, Edmonton often leaned too heavily on Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Not this time. They’re getting balanced scoring and strong five-on-five play, winning both games despite losing the special teams battle.

Coach Kris Knoblauch was candid:

“We lost the special teams battle in both games and came out with both wins—that’s something I wouldn’t have expected.”

That’s a chilling stat for Vegas. If Edmonton’s supporting cast keeps clicking, the Golden Knights may struggle to contain all their threats.

5. Vegas Improved in Game 2—but Was It Enough?

Despite the loss, Vegas played a much better game than they did in Game 1. They adjusted their forecheck, generated more shots, and stayed competitive. The problem? It still wasn’t enough.

The game plan is evolving, but Edmonton’s resilience is meeting every adjustment with another gear.

6. The Oilers Know the Danger of Complacency

McDavid isn’t letting his team relax:

“Not pretty at all. Not our group’s best, but we found a way. It means nothing if we’re not ready to roll for Game 3.”

This awareness could prevent the Oilers from falling into the same trap they set for Vegas—getting outplayed, yet still finding a win. Check out the latest Predictions from The Best Expert Hockey Handicappers

7. Historical Context: Can Vegas Buck the Trend?

Coming back from a 2-0 deficit after losing both games at home is statistically rare. Teams in that position have only advanced 20% of the time.

But here’s the twist: Vegas has been the underdog before. They’ve made deep playoff runs by adjusting and grinding out results. If there’s any team that can challenge the odds, it might be them—but the margin for error is razor thin.

Final Thoughts: Can Vegas Flip the Script?

The next game isn’t just a test of talent—it’s a test of character. The Golden Knights will need discipline, resilience, and contributions from every line to survive what is arguably their toughest challenge of the season.

As for the Oilers, they’ve found ways to win without perfection. If they “build their game,” as McDavid suggests, Vegas could be in deeper trouble than the scoreboard currently shows.

Game 3 will answer one big question: Is this series truly over—or just getting started?