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 1
Edmonton Oilers vs Vegas Golden Knights
Season Head-to-Head: Oilers 2 – 2 Golden Knights
Time: 9:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: ESPN, CBC, SN, TVAS
The Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights renew their playoff rivalry tonight in Game 1 of the Western Conference Second Round. This marks the second time in three years these Pacific Division powerhouses meet at this stage. Vegas eliminated Edmonton in six games back in 2023 en route to their first Stanley Cup. Now, the Oilers seek redemption, entering the series with momentum after a comeback against the Kings. The Golden Knights, meanwhile, dispatched the Minnesota Wild in six games. These two Pacific Division rivals are no strangers to playoff tension. But this time around, the Oilers enter as a more complete team, having rattled off four straight wins to dispatch the Kings. Meanwhile, Vegas advanced in six games against Minnesota but showed signs of vulnerability, especially against the Wild’s top forwards. With both clubs boasting elite rosters and recent postseason pedigree, expect an intense start to what should be a back-and-forth series.
Edmonton Oilers Seeking Revenge
The Oilers looked like a team on a mission after dropping their first two games to Los Angeles. Led by Connor McDavid (11 points) and Leon Draisaitl (10 points), Edmonton rattled off four consecutive wins to take the series in six. Importantly, goaltender Calvin Pickard stepped up when Stuart Skinner faltered early on. Pickard finished the series 4–0 and is projected to start Game 1 against the team that made him their first-ever expansion draft pick in 2017.
Edmonton’s power play, which clicked at 42.3% last postseason, remains dangerous and helped fuel the turnaround against the Kings. With solid depth contributions—including Connor Brown ’s standout Game 6—the Oilers are getting timely production throughout the lineup. Their challenge now is solving a disciplined Vegas defence and taking advantage of any early cracks.
Vegas Golden Knights Battle Tested, But Beatable
Vegas got the job done against Minnesota, winning in six games. Still, their inability to consistently contain Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy may be cause for concern heading into this round. Adin Hill posted a 2.83 goals-against average and a .880 save percentage, numbers that will need to improve against the Oilers’ high-octane attack.
Offensively, the Golden Knights continue to rely on depth. Tomas Hertl and Jack Eichel both notched five points in Round 1, while veterans like Mark Stone and William Karlsson play key shutdown roles. Vegas also holds a 2–0 home playoff record this year and finished 29–9–3 at T-Mobile Arena during the regular season. To steal Game 1, they’ll need to stay out of the penalty box and find ways to limit McDavid’s time and space—easier said than done.
NHL Prediction for Game 1
This series is expected to be closely contested, but Edmonton has the edge heading into Game 1. The Oilers are carrying serious momentum from their first-round comeback, and their stars are producing at an elite level. While Vegas has home-ice advantage and championship experience, Edmonton looks sharper out of the gate. If McDavid and Draisaitl control the pace early, they can quiet the Vegas crowd and strike first in the series.
Prediction: Oilers win 4–3
Prop Bets of the Night
We round out NHL Predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s back our prediction and look at Oilers moneyline (+120). Plus odds for Leon Draisaitl anytime goal (+130) and Connor McDavid 2+ points (+100) are great value, especially with their consistent playoff scoring. Also consider Ivan Barbashev anytime goal (+350)—he’s been productive and continues to get top-six minutes. (Playoffs Record: 9-10)
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Main Photo Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
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