These two Western Conference heavyweights seem destined to square off in the NHL playoffs this year, but first, they have a late-season matchup that could have massive implications for their playoff seeding. Connor McDavid remains sidelined for the Edmonton Oilers, but Leon Draisaitl made his triumphant return with a late equalizer and the overtime winner in Saturday night’s Battle of Alberta against the Calgary Flames.
The Oilers have been criticized for leaning too heavily on their stars, and their depth will be tested against the Golden Knights without McDavid on the ice. Vegas has strung together six straight wins heading into this matchup and will feel confident about extending its lead at the top of the Pacific Division with a crucial two points at the Oilers’ expense.
Matchup: Oilers vs Golden Knights Overview
- Teams: Edmonton Oilers at Vegas Golden Knights
- Date: Tuesday, April 1st, 2025
- Time: Puck drop is at 10:00 PM EST (7:00 PM local time)
- Venue: T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada
Win Probabilities:
The NHL win probabilities would certainly be closer if Connor McDavid were able to suit up, but as injury updates continue to roll in, the numbers have become increasingly lopsided. The Golden Knights now have a 64.21% chance to win, while the Edmonton Oilers sit at 35.79%, according to NHL win probabilities.
Projected Final Score:
The projected final score for the upcoming NHL game between the Oilers and the Golden Knights has been calculated using expert NHL predictions combined with insights from recent games and up-to-date injury reports. Taking all factors into account, the projected outcome is: Las Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 Edmonton Oilers.
Oilers vs Golden Knights Odds
The Golden Knights have the benefit of playing on their home ice in this matchup and are the favorites on the NHL odds as a result. They have won six consecutive games and will be up for the test against a fellow Stanley Cup contender in the Edmonton Oilers. Both of these teams are capable of lighting the lamp, which is why the expected goal total is higher than usual for an NHL game.
Expert Prediction: Who Wins?
Why the Edmonton Oilers Could Win
The Oilers may be without Connor McDavid against the Golden Knights, but they still have the most dominant player on the ice in Leon Draisaitl. Draisaitl has scored a league-leading 51 goals this season, consistently finding ways to put the puck in the back of the net. He made his return from injury with two goals against the Calgary Flames, and the Oilers will need him to have a big night offensively if they hope to pull off this upset.
Edmonton certainly relies heavily on McDavid and Draisaitl to find success, but they have several other talented players capable of making an impact against the Golden Knights. Evan Bouchard has emerged as a legitimate scoring threat on the blue line, while Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is starting to turn his career around after a few bad seasons with the Oilers. It will certainly not be easy, but the Oilers did beat the Vegas Golden Knights 6-3 in their most recent meeting, which will boost their confidence for Tuesday night.
Why the Vegas Golden Knights Could Win
The Vegas Golden Knights have scoring depth like few other NHL teams. Jack Eichel leads the way with 93 points and is one of five players who have already reached the 20-goal mark this season. Eichel is confident he can match the production of Draisaitl in this matchup, and the Golden Knights will rely on their depth to exploit an Oilers team still adjusting without McDavid. Edmonton is just 2-3 in its last five games since McDavid’s injury, struggling to generate offense in his absence.
For the Golden Knights, frustrating the Oilers on defense will be key. Adin Hill has become a reliable starting goalie for the Golden Knights, and their defensive pairings are starting to gel at the perfect time. Shea Theodore made his return from injury last week, and his presence on the ice has settled down the Golden Knights defensively. Vegas has allowed three or fewer goals in all six wins during its current streak and will feel confident about extending that run with another strong defensive performance.
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