Edmonton (3-1) at Vegas (1-3)
- When: May 14 2025, 9:30 PM
- Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- TV: ESPN
Golden Knights vs. Oilers – Game 5 Preview and Prediction
Moneyline: Vegas -125 | Total: 6.5
Vegas Golden Knights Analysis
The Golden Knights are facing elimination but aren’t short on belief as they prepare for Game 5 at home against the Edmonton Oilers. Despite trailing 3-1 in the series, Vegas is drawing confidence from their first-round comeback against Minnesota, where they won three straight to advance. Forward Reilly Smith emphasized the team’s mentality: “We did it last series. We have a lot of faith in this group. Just take it one at a time.”
Vegas managed to steal Game 3 in Edmonton with a dramatic 4-3 victory, courtesy of a last-second goal by Smith. However, their momentum was cut short in Game 4, where the Oilers blanked them 3-0 behind a stellar performance from Stuart Skinner. The Knights were outshot and outplayed, registering just 10 shots midway through the game.
Coach Bruce Cassidy stressed the need for a strong start in Game 5, pointing out that slow beginnings have hurt them in this series. “We have to start better,” Cassidy said. “We were probably a little bit passive and didn’t put them on their heels enough. That will be step one in Game 5 make sure we push the envelope early and get to our game quicker.”
Star center Jack Eichel echoed the sentiment, stating, “We need to be more aggressive offensively, force them to make mistakes, and get pucks back. We can’t afford to play catch-up again.” For the Golden Knights, it’s simple: get the crowd into it early, dominate possession, and find a way to get pucks past Skinner if they want to extend this series.
Edmonton Oilers Analysis
The Oilers come into Game 5 riding high on momentum, holding a 3-1 series lead and looking to close things out in Vegas. Edmonton’s resilience in tight games has been well-documented, boasting a 15-2 record in Games 4-7 over the past two postseasons.
In Game 4, they jumped out to an early lead with Adam Henrique scoring twice in the first 13 minutes, followed by a goal from Evander Kane. Goaltender Stuart Skinner was a wall, stopping all 23 shots for his second career playoff shutout. Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch is keeping his team focused on the moment, saying, “It’s a one-game mentality. After we lost Game 3 the way we did, it was forget about it and move on to the next one.”
Knoblauch gave his team a day off before Game 5, emphasizing the need to stay fresh and mentally sharp for what could be the series-clinching game. “You don’t want to overcoach. Sometimes, the best thing is to step back, enjoy the win, and come back ready,” Knoblauch added.
Game 5 Prediction:
With their backs against the wall, expect Vegas to come out swinging in front of a raucous home crowd. The Golden Knights know they can’t afford another slow start, and you can expect aggressive forechecking and early pressure to put Skinner on his heels. However, Edmonton’s dominance in clutch moments and their ability to close out series cannot be ignored.
Score Prediction: Golden Knights 4, Oilers 3
Best Bet: Vegas Moneyline (-125)
Total:
Over 6.5 (-125)
- NHL Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
