Golden Knights’ Reilly Smith Delivers with Dramatic Last-Second Goal to Edge Oilers in Game 3, Cutting Series Lead to 2-1

In one of the most heart-stopping moments of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Reilly Smith scored with just 0.4 seconds left in regulation, securing a 4-3 victory for the Vegas Golden Knights over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3. This thrilling goal not only clinched the win for the Golden Knights but also shaved the Oilers’ series lead down to 2-1, igniting hope in Vegas for a comeback. It was a moment that fans of both teams will remember for years to come, as the Golden Knights showcased resilience and determination in one of the most dramatic comebacks seen in recent playoff history.

The atmosphere in T-Mobile Arena was electric, with the crowd buzzing in anticipation as the final minutes of regulation ticked down. The Golden Knights had fought hard throughout the game, never giving up despite being in a tight battle against the high-flying Oilers. Edmonton had come into this game with a 2-0 series lead, having taken both contests at home. For the Golden Knights, this game was a must-win if they were to stay alive in the series. The pressure was immense, but they were determined to rise to the occasion.

As the clock wound down, the tension in the arena was palpable. The Golden Knights were on the attack, desperately trying to break the 3-3 tie and avoid the crushing blow of going down 3-0 in the series. They had already fought through several momentum shifts during the game, keeping pace with the explosive offense of the Oilers, who had been firing on all cylinders. But with time running out, the Golden Knights’ chances were dwindling.

Then, with just 15 seconds remaining, Vegas managed to push the puck into the Oilers’ zone. A chaotic scramble in front of the net ensued, with both teams fighting for possession. The Oilers were trying to clear the puck out of the zone and run down the clock, but the Golden Knights’ relentless pressure kept them from doing so. As the seconds ticked away, the puck found its way to Smith, who was positioned perfectly near the crease.

With a quick, instinctive move, Smith got off a shot just before the horn sounded. The puck sailed through traffic, deflecting off of a defender and past Oilers goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. The crowd erupted in disbelief as the goal was confirmed by the officials. The Golden Knights had done the impossible—scoring in the dying seconds of the game to seal the victory.

Smith’s goal was not just a game-winner; it was a symbol of the Golden Knights’ resilience and their refusal to back down. The team had been under immense pressure throughout the game, facing a potent Oilers offense that was relentless in its pursuit of goals. However, Vegas showed that they had the grit and determination to overcome even the toughest of circumstances.

The goal also highlighted the importance of special teams and the Golden Knights’ ability to stay disciplined, especially in the final minutes. With Hellebuyck having been excellent all game long, it was clear that any scoring opportunity had to be taken advantage of in such a high-stakes moment. Smith’s composure in that split-second was a testament to his experience and his confidence in clutch situations.

After the game, Smith was asked about his dramatic goal and the significance it held for the Golden Knights’ series hopes. He remained humble, acknowledging that it was a team effort and that they were far from out of the woods yet. “It was a big moment, but we’re only down by one game,” Smith said. “We’ve got to keep our focus and take it one game at a time. It was an incredible team effort tonight, and we just have to carry that into Game 4.”

Vegas head coach Bruce Cassidy echoed Smith’s sentiment, praising the team’s effort and character. “It’s a huge win for us,” Cassidy said. “To get a goal like that with so little time left shows the heart of this team. But we’re not satisfied yet. We’re back in the series, but there’s still a lot of work to do.”

The Oilers, on the other hand, were left to reflect on what was a heartbreaking loss. Edmonton had fought hard to gain the lead in the series and were poised to take a commanding 3-0 advantage in the best-of-seven matchup. However, they couldn’t hold on in the dying seconds, and the Golden Knights snatched victory from their grasp.

Edmonton head coach Jay Woodcroft took the loss in stride, acknowledging the drama and tension of the game while stressing that the series was far from over. “We didn’t execute when we needed to,” Woodcroft said. “But this is playoff hockey, and we’ve been in tough spots before. We’ll look at the tape, learn from our mistakes, and get ready for Game 4. We still have the lead in the series, and we’re going to keep pushing.”

The Oilers had a strong game overall, with Leon Draisaitl contributing heavily to their offense. Draisaitl, who had already been a key figure in the series, notched a pair of goals in Game 3, continuing his dominant postseason performance. However, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow, especially after having been so close to securing a commanding 3-0 series lead.

Connor McDavid also played a significant role in the Oilers’ attack, generating multiple scoring chances and providing key assists. Despite the efforts of their two superstars, the Oilers were unable to hold off the Golden Knights’ late surge, and their defensive lapses in the final seconds ultimately cost them the game.

For the Golden Knights, this win was a reminder of their potential and a sign that they were far from out of the fight. Despite facing an explosive Oilers team led by two of the most dynamic players in the NHL, the Golden Knights proved that they could rise to the occasion when the stakes were highest. With Smith’s last-second goal, they had not only cut the series deficit but also sent a message to the Oilers: the series was far from decided.

The Golden Knights will look to build on this momentum as they head into Game 4. With the series now sitting at 2-1 in favor of the Oilers, the pressure will be on both teams to make critical adjustments and capitalize on every opportunity. For the Golden Knights, their playoff run is far from over, and the belief that they can win the series is stronger than ever after such a dramatic and emotional victory.

For the Oilers, Game 3 will be a tough loss to digest, but their focus must now shift to regaining control of the series. The Golden Knights have shown that they are capable of pulling off big wins, and Edmonton cannot afford to let their guard down as the series moves forward. The next game will be a critical one, with both teams hungry to take a step closer to the ultimate prize.

In the end, Reilly Smith’s goal will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the series, but there is still much hockey left to be played. The Golden Knights may have taken a significant step in their quest to come back in the series, but the battle is far from over. Both teams will have to dig deep and continue to push toward their ultimate goal of hoisting the Stanley Cup.