In a thrilling start to the second round of the NHL playoffs, the Edmonton Oilers showcased their resilience yet again, overcoming a two-goal deficit to defeat the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 in Game 1 Tuesday night in Las Vegas.
The Oilers, already famed for their comebacks after dispatching Los Angeles by rallying from a 2-0 series hole, set an astonishing league record by notching their fifth consecutive playoff comeback in a single postseason.
Zach Hyman emerged as the hero, blasting a shot from above the right circle with just over three minutes remaining to secure the Oilers' victory. "That’s part of having a mature, older group," said Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch. "No matter what happens, I think we handled it really well tonight."
Despite their impressive start, the Golden Knights struggled in the latter stages, managing only seven shots on goal over the final two periods. This marked their first playoff regulation loss when leading by two goals, holding a 47-4 record in such situations.
Mark Stone's two goals for Vegas weren't enough as Edmonton's relentless attack and defensive pressure swung the momentum. Leon Draisaitl contributed a goal and an assist, while Corey Perry and Connor Brown added to the Oilers' tally. Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard each provided two assists.
"We have experience to win games in a lot of different ways," Hyman remarked, reflecting on the team's adaptability and fighting spirit.
Stone's efforts tied him for a franchise record and extended his goal streak, but the absence of key players, including defenseman Alex Pietrangelo due to illness and Pavel Dorofeyev with an injury, took a toll on Vegas.
The Oilers made their move early in the third period, capitalizing on Draisaitl's ingenuity to tie the game. Hyman then broke the deadlock, and Brown quickly widened the gap to seal the win.
Game 2 is set for Thursday night in Las Vegas, promising another electrifying clash. "We’ll go over it and get ready for Thursday night’s game," said Stone, eyeing redemption for the Golden Knights.
