Oilers Set NHL Record with Fifth Straight Playoff Comeback Victory as Zach Hyman’s Late Goal Propels Them to 4-2 Win Over Golden Knights in Game 1 at T-Mobile Arena

In what could only be described as an exhilarating display of resilience and determination, the Edmonton Oilers made history on the ice during Game 1 of their Western Conference series against the Vegas Golden Knights. With a stunning 4-2 victory at the T-Mobile Arena, the Oilers secured their fifth consecutive playoff comeback win, setting an NHL record that will surely be remembered for years to come. Zach Hyman’s clutch goal late in the third period not only sealed the game for Edmonton but also reinforced the Oilers’ reputation as one of the most dangerous and unyielding teams in recent postseason history.

As the game entered its final minutes, both teams had fought tooth and nail, exchanging goals in what had been a tight and fiercely contested match. Yet, despite facing adversity throughout the game, the Oilers’ never-say-die attitude was on full display, reminding fans and analysts alike of the team’s uncanny ability to flip the script and come out on top in the most dire of circumstances. Hyman’s goal, which came with just under five minutes left, was the culmination of a series of plays that showcased the Oilers’ ability to dig deep when it matters most.

The Golden Knights, who had been the better team for much of the game, opened the scoring in the first period. Vegas captain Mark Stone capitalized on a misstep by Edmonton’s defense, sneaking in front of the net to put his team ahead 1-0. The goal was a stark reminder of the Golden Knights’ potent offensive depth and their ability to strike quickly, even in high-pressure situations.

However, as the game progressed, the Oilers slowly started to find their rhythm. The dynamic pairing of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl began to create dangerous scoring opportunities, and the Oilers’ power play, which has been one of the most lethal in the league this season, started to show signs of life. Early in the second period, Edmonton tied the game at one goal apiece when McDavid fed Draisaitl for a one-timer that beat Golden Knights goaltender Laurent Brossoit. The goal was a testament to the star power of the Oilers’ top forwards, but it also signaled the start of a shift in momentum as the Oilers began to assert themselves on the ice.

The Golden Knights weren’t going to make it easy for the Oilers, though. As the game wore on, Vegas continued to pressure Edmonton, looking for ways to break the tie. In the third period, it was the Golden Knights who took the lead again, this time on a power play. Jack Eichel, the Golden Knights’ marquee acquisition and a player with the ability to change the course of a game in the blink of an eye, found the back of the net with a beautiful wrist shot that beat Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner. With a 2-1 lead, the Golden Knights looked poised to take control of the game and potentially take the series lead. But as has been the case throughout these playoffs, the Oilers refused to back down.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Edmonton’s postseason run has been their ability to respond to adversity in critical moments. Time and time again, they have demonstrated an uncanny knack for rallying late in games when the odds seem stacked against them. And in Game 1, they would do it again. The Oilers’ persistence paid off just minutes after Eichel’s go-ahead goal when Evan Bouchard tied the game with a long shot from the blue line. The slap shot deflected off a Vegas defender and past Brossoit, creating a sense of unease in the Golden Knights’ camp. Edmonton was back in the game, and they weren’t going away anytime soon.

With the score tied at 2-2 and the game approaching its final minutes, the T-Mobile Arena was filled with tension. Both teams were pushing hard, each knowing how crucial the first game of the series would be. It was in this intense atmosphere that Zach Hyman, one of the Oilers’ most reliable playoff performers, emerged as the hero. Hyman, who had been a thorn in the side of the Golden Knights throughout the game, showed his impeccable timing and finishing ability when he pounced on a loose puck in front of the net after a scramble.

Hyman’s quick reflexes and calm under pressure allowed him to beat Brossoit for the game-winning goal, sending the Edmonton bench into a frenzy and putting the Golden Knights on their heels. The goal, which came at 15:25 of the third period, was a defining moment in the Oilers’ historic comeback. As the final minutes ticked away, the Golden Knights tried to mount a desperate push to tie the game, but the Oilers’ defense, led by the steady play of Darnell Nurse and Tyson Barrie, held firm. Skinner, who had been solid throughout the game, made a series of crucial saves down the stretch, sealing the 4-2 win for Edmonton.

The victory not only gave the Oilers a crucial lead in the series but also set an NHL record for most consecutive playoff comeback wins in a single postseason. The record, which now stands at five straight games, is a testament to the team’s mental toughness and their ability to thrive under pressure. The Oilers have shown time and again that they are never out of a game, no matter the circumstances. This latest achievement is another example of the team’s championship pedigree and their desire to make a deep run in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

While Hyman’s goal was the game-winner, it was a true team effort that led to this historic triumph. McDavid, Draisaitl, and the rest of the Oilers’ star-studded lineup continue to play at an elite level, but it’s the collective resolve of the entire group that has been the key to their success. Edmonton’s depth, both offensively and defensively, has been on full display, with players like Bouchard, Nurse, and Skinner stepping up in crucial moments.

The Oilers’ ability to come from behind in such dramatic fashion also speaks volumes about their belief in each other and their confidence in their ability to execute when it matters most. In a playoff series where every game is critical, the Oilers have shown that they have the heart and the skill to win under any circumstances. With the series now shifted to Game 2 in Las Vegas, the Golden Knights will be looking for answers after allowing the Oilers to steal Game 1. But one thing is for certain—Edmonton’s resilience and never-say-die attitude make them a formidable opponent in this postseason.

As the Oilers continue their journey in the Stanley Cup playoffs, they have already etched their name into NHL history with this incredible record. Whether or not they ultimately go on to win the championship, the Oilers’ fifth straight playoff comeback victory will be remembered as a defining moment in their quest for glory. With Hyman’s heroics and the team’s remarkable composure under pressure, the Oilers have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. And if Game 1 was any indication, there is still plenty of drama and excitement to come in what promises to be a thrilling series.