The Edmonton Oilers took a 3-1 series lead over the Vegas Golden Knights, placing themselves just one win away from making the Western Conference Final. Edmonton has its sights on getting back to the Stanley Cup Final after losing in Game 7 last season.

If the Edmonton Oilers replicate their most complete playoff game this season, their coach says they'll be hard to beat.

Edmonton Oilers’ Evander Kane (91) and Zach Hyman (18) celebrate after a goal against the Vegas Golden Knights during the second period of Game 4 of a second-round NHL hockey playoff series in Edmonton, Alberta, Monday, May 12, 2025. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via AP)

The Edmonton Oilers are on the brink of breaking through to the next round of NHL playoffs, where they will have a chance to defend their Western Conference title from a season ago.

The Edmonton Oilers are a one-dimensional team. That criticism has followed the team for years during the Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl era. Many have argued that the team is far too reliant on its dynamic duo and lacks the supporting cast to bring the organization to its ultimate goal.

The Vegas Golden Knights will return to T-Mobile Arena Wednesday for Game 5 of their second-round NHL playoff series against the Edmonton Oilers with no room for error.

Last season, Skinner had a 14-9 record in the playoffs with a 2.45 GAA, .901 save percentage and one shutout. This season, he was 26-18-4 in 51 games (50 starts) during the regular season with a 2.81 GAA, .896 save percentage and three shutouts.

The Edmonton Oilers may be focused on their 2025 playoff push, but Tuesday’s announcement regarding offer sheets and new compensation levels may divert their attention slightly.

From the moment Connor McDavid’s name was announced at the 2015 NHL Draft, Edmonton Oilers fans have believed a Stanley Cup victory was inevitable. It has fueled every waking moment, every online conversation, all of the bar talk and each coffee klatch.

This in from NHL insider Darren Dreger on the Ray & Dregs podcast, news that injured Edmonton Oilers goalie Calvin Pickard will be out for the entire Vegas series. “Cal Pickard is listed as day-to-day, told that he could be at least a week.” As reported earlier, the Oilers have recalled AHL goalie Collin Delia.