LAS VEGAS — The 2025 rematch between the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers saw a reversal of roles compared to their 2023 series. In that matchup, the Golden Knights were the stronger team at even strength, relying on depth and five-on-five play to outlast the Oilers, who were more dependent on their potent power play. However, in Game 1 of this series, Edmonton took control at even strength, dominating the Golden Knights with a 4-2 victory.
The Oilers scored four unanswered goals, controlling the pace and neutralizing Vegas’ typically dangerous transition game. Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy acknowledged the team’s struggles, saying, “They elevated their game today, and I don’t think we did halfway through the game. They were just better than us.”
At five-on-five, the Oilers outshot Vegas 22-9 and had a commanding 31-13 advantage in scoring chances, including a 13-3 edge in high-danger opportunities. The Golden Knights’ offense, meanwhile, was primarily ineffective at even strength, except when on the power play. Vegas took the lead early with a power-play goal from Shea Theodore, assisted by William Karlsson and Mark Stone, but that momentum quickly faded as the game progressed.
Stone highlighted the team’s inability to execute through the neutral zone, which led to turnovers and a loss of offensive zone time. “You turn the puck over in those spots, it gives them a chance to turn back the other way, and I think that’s what happened in the second and third periods,” Stone explained.
Edmonton dominated possession, outshooting Vegas 12-1 in the second period. While the Golden Knights’ defense kept the Oilers to the outside, they struggled to maintain possession, ultimately tiring out and spending too much time in their own zone. Brandon Saad noted, “When we turned it over, they sustained more zone time, and when they have the puck, they’re a hard team to check.”
The Golden Knights, typically comfortable defending in their zone and waiting for counter-attacks, couldn’t capitalize on their transition opportunities. As Stone mentioned, early on, Vegas generated good looks and chances, but failed to convert.
Edmonton’s game plan was clear: limit Vegas’ transition game. Oilers forward Corey Perry said, “We were more focused on what we were doing with the puck and how to keep them off the rush and make them come 200 feet.” This strategy worked effectively, as the Oilers allowed few chances in transition, with defensemen like John Klingberg playing a key role in quickly exiting their zone.
Despite Vegas’ lone even-strength goal, a brilliant play by Jack Eichel to set up Stone, the Oilers kept the Golden Knights at bay. At even strength, the game was never close, with Edmonton looking faster, hungrier, and more skilled.
Now, the Golden Knights face the challenge of bouncing back in Game 2. Saad remained confident, saying, “We’re confident in our group. We let that one slip away, but for us, I think there’s no panic. It’s just time to reset and get on to the next one.” Vegas has been known for its ability to rebound in the postseason, having come back from similar situations in the past.
While the Golden Knights finished the regular season as one of the league’s top even-strength teams, they were outplayed in that area by the Oilers, who ranked even higher. In the past, Vegas thrived at five-on-five and hoped to avoid special teams. But now, they may be hoping for more power-play opportunities to spark their offense.
Vegas also faced a setback with the absence of top defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, who was sidelined with an illness. His return could provide a much-needed boost, particularly in breaking out the puck and supporting the transition game.
Despite the loss, Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy’s history of successful adjustments gives the team hope. “We need a bounce-back game, especially here at home,” Saad said. Game 2 will be crucial for the Golden Knights, as falling behind 2-0 at home would significantly diminish their chances of winning the series.
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