Oilers and Golden Knights heading opposite directions after playoff-like atmosphere
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Edmonton's 4-3 overtime victory at Vegas on Thursday night had all the makings of a playoff-type atmosphere in what has been an emotional rivalry. It also was a matchup of teams heading in different directions. The win moved the Oilers two points ahead of the Golden Knights for second place in the Pacific Division.
Edmonton made the Stanley Cup Final each of the past two years despite finishing second in the division in 2024 and third last season. And now the Oilers have won four of six games — their losses were to Florida and Tampa Bay — even with Leon Draisaitl likely out for the remainder of the regular season with a lower-body injury . He could return for the playoffs.
“We got to string more wins together before we start to pipe ourselves up,” Oilers winger Zach Hyman said. "But I think every year everybody doubts what we can do. We have the team that when we commit to playing the right way, it’s hard to score against us.
It’s hard to play against a team that defends. “On the other side, we got guys who can break the game open. Obviously, we’re missing one.
We’ll get him back. When we do get him back, if we’re playing like this, we got a chance. ” Losing Draisaitl, who has 97 points in 65 games, clearly would be a difficult blow for any team.