Welcome back to another NHL Predictions (Playoffs Edition). Each day, our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Edmonton Oilers taking on the Vegas Golden Knights. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions: Western Conference, Second Round, Game 2
Edmonton Oilers vs Vegas Golden Knights
Series: Oilers 1 – 0 Golden Knights
Time: 9:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: ESPN, CBC, SN, TVAS
The Edmonton Oilers showed resilience again in Game 1, clawing back from a 2–0 deficit to win 4–3 on the road. It marked their fifth straight come-from-behind victory this postseason—setting a new NHL record. Vegas jumped out early behind two goals from captain Mark Stone, but Edmonton slowly took control. Zach Hyman netted the game-winner with just over three minutes left, while Connor Brown sealed the win with an empty-netter. With the Oilers now leading the series 1–0, Vegas needs an answer on home ice.
Edmonton Oilers Depth Stepping Up
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl were productive again in Game 1, each picking up two points. However, the real story continues to be Edmonton’s supporting cast. Veterans like Connor Brown, Corey Perry, and Evander Kane all made key contributions, helping the Oilers outscore Vegas 3–0 over the final 23 minutes.
Perhaps the most encouraging stat came via Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts the Podcast (starts at 3:50). During the regular season, Edmonton was -20 at 5-on-5 when McDavid and Draisaitl were not on the ice (68 GF, 88 GA). Last postseason, they were -9. This year? Through seven games, they’re +4 (11 GF, 7 GA) in those minutes. That shift in depth performance could be what finally pushes this team over the top.
Vegas Golden Knights Urgency Sets In
Vegas started Game 1 strong but faded fast. They registered only seven shots combined in the second and third periods, and their inability to handle Edmonton’s forecheck stood out. Mark Stone remains a reliable playoff performer, tying Jonathan Marchessault for the franchise’s all-time postseason goals record with his first-period pair.
One possible Game 2 X-factor is defenceman Alex Pietrangelo. He missed the opener due to illness but could return tonight. His puck-moving ability and leadership would help stabilize a blue line that struggled with Edmonton’s speed as the game wore on. Vegas must also generate more from players like Jack Eichel and Tomas Hertl, who were quiet in Game 1.
NHL Prediction for Game 2
The Edmonton Oilers are doing more than just winning—they’re evolving. For years, critics questioned whether their success hinged too heavily on McDavid and Draisaitl. But in this postseason, that narrative is changing. Game 1 proved it again: down 2–0 in a hostile building, it wasn’t the stars who turned the tide—it was the supporting cast. Players like Connor Brown and Corey Perry are writing new chapters in Edmonton’s story, and the numbers back it up. For the first time in years, the Oilers are outscoring opponents at five-on-five without their stars on the ice.
Vegas is too good to fade quietly, and they’ll push hard early in Game 2. But Edmonton’s ability to adapt mid-game and generate offence from all four lines is proving lethal. Until the Golden Knights show they can match that pace for sixty minutes, the edge remains with the Oilers.
Prediction: Oilers win 3–2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We round out NHL Predictions with some prop bets of the night. Leon Draisaitl anytime goal (+125) remains a smart value given his playoff consistency. Consider Zach Hyman anytime goal (+215)—he’s scored in five of seven games this postseason. Also, plus odds for Connor McDavid over 1.5 points is good value (+100) (Postseason Record: 12-11)
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Main Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie
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