NHL Announces Complete Second-Round Playoff Schedule for Oilers vs. Golden Knights as Two Western Powerhouses Prepare to Clash
The NHL’s Stanley Cup Playoffs are heating up, and the highly anticipated second-round matchup between the Edmonton Oilers and the Vegas Golden Knights is officially set. Fans of both franchises have circled their calendars, as the league has unveiled the full series schedule between these two Western Conference titans. With each team entering the second round with high expectations and a roster full of stars, the stage is set for a thrilling, hard-fought series that could easily go the distance.
For Edmonton, this series represents both a continuation of recent playoff success and a chance to take the next step toward championship contention. The Oilers are led by the electric duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, two of the most dynamic offensive forces in the game today. McDavid, widely considered the best player in the world, has continued his dominance through the first round of the playoffs, showcasing blazing speed, unrivaled vision, and a knack for elevating his team in crucial moments. Draisaitl, equally dangerous, brings power, poise, and clinical finishing to the table, making the Oilers a nightmare to defend against. Together, they make up a one-two punch that few teams in the league can match.
Their path to this second-round showdown was not without challenges. The Oilers had to grind through a competitive first-round series against a physical and determined opponent. Their ability to stay composed under pressure, make adjustments on the fly, and capitalize on the power play was crucial to their advancement. Edmonton’s top line delivered as expected, but it was also the contributions from secondary scorers and a strong showing from the blue line that allowed the team to push through. Defensemen like Evan Bouchard and Darnell Nurse stepped up in key moments, while goaltender Stuart Skinner provided timely saves, proving he can handle the intensity of playoff hockey.
The Vegas Golden Knights, meanwhile, come into this series riding a wave of momentum. As defending Stanley Cup champions, the Knights have the experience, depth, and swagger that comes with knowing what it takes to win it all. Their first-round performance was a statement: a disciplined, physical, and opportunistic team effort that showcased their depth at every position. Led by captain Mark Stone, dynamic winger Jonathan Marchessault, and a deep defensive corps anchored by Alex Pietrangelo and Shea Theodore, the Golden Knights present a formidable challenge for the Oilers in all three zones.
Vegas also boasts a goaltending advantage heading into this series, at least on paper. Adin Hill, who played a pivotal role in last season’s title run, has been solid again this postseason. His calm demeanor, rebound control, and ability to make clutch saves in traffic will be tested repeatedly by the high-octane Edmonton offense. The Golden Knights are known for their commitment to structured team defense, and that will be critical in attempting to contain McDavid and Draisaitl. Expect Vegas to deploy a variety of defensive looks, including heavy minutes for their top defensive pair and a reliance on backchecking forwards to limit space in the neutral zone.
The schedule for the series, as announced by the NHL, promises an intense two weeks of hockey with games staggered to allow national TV coverage and fan engagement. Game 1 is set to take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, giving the Golden Knights home-ice advantage as the higher seed. The first two games will be split between Vegas and Edmonton, before the series shifts north of the border for Games 3 and 4. If necessary, Games 5 through 7 will alternate venues, with Game 7 slated to return to Vegas. Each game will have a prime-time start, ensuring fans across North America can tune in to see two of the league’s best teams go head-to-head.
For Edmonton, a lot will hinge on how well they can adjust to Vegas’ physicality and defensive structure. The Oilers have historically been an offense-first team, sometimes leaving their defensive game exposed in transition. To win this series, they will need balanced efforts, tighter neutral-zone play, and consistent contributions from lines beyond their top unit. Players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, and Evander Kane will be expected to elevate their games, while the defensive corps must manage puck possession and zone exits under pressure. Special teams will undoubtedly play a pivotal role. Edmonton’s power play was lethal in the regular season and continued that dominance in the first round. The Golden Knights, by contrast, will aim to stay out of the penalty box and kill any penalties with the disciplined, aggressive structure that has become a hallmark of their penalty kill.
Vegas, on the other hand, will aim to assert their physicality early and often. Their playoff identity under head coach Bruce Cassidy is built on a blend of structure, grit, and opportunistic scoring. Expect Vegas to use their size advantage and forechecking pressure to wear down Edmonton’s defense, forcing turnovers and limiting breakout options. The Knights’ ability to roll four lines effectively allows them to maintain pressure and exploit mismatches, particularly when they have last change on home ice. Vegas will also look to neutralize McDavid’s speed through strategic line matching and active sticks in the neutral zone. If they can slow the game down and avoid turning it into a track meet, they’ll be in a good position.
Goaltending remains the great equalizer in this series. Stuart Skinner has the tools to steal games, but he lacks the playoff experience of Hill. If Skinner can find a rhythm early and limit second-chance opportunities, the Oilers’ offense may be enough to carry them through. On the flip side, if Hill continues to display the calm, consistent form that carried Vegas last postseason, the Golden Knights could find themselves back in the Western Conference Final.
In terms of fan anticipation, this series ranks near the top of the playoff calendar. Edmonton’s passionate hockey market is hungry for a return to the Stanley Cup Final, while Vegas fans have come to expect deep playoff runs from their team since entering the league. The energy inside Rogers Place and T-Mobile Arena will be electric, with each arena expected to be packed and loud for every game. Storylines abound, from McDavid’s quest for a first Stanley Cup to Vegas’ attempt to repeat as champions. There’s also a revenge factor at play: the Oilers remember their second-round loss to the Golden Knights in 2023, a series that ended with disappointment and reflection. Now, with added maturity and playoff experience, Edmonton sees this as an opportunity to rewrite the narrative.
Coaching will also be under the spotlight. Jay Woodcroft’s approach with the Oilers emphasizes puck control and offensive flow, while Bruce Cassidy’s Knights rely on layered defense and smart puck management. The chess match between coaching staffs—line deployment, timeout usage, adjustments between games—will be crucial, especially if the series goes deep.
As for predictions, it’s difficult to pick a clear favorite. Vegas has the edge in experience and depth, while Edmonton may possess the two best individual players in the series. If the Oilers can dictate pace and play to their offensive strengths without sacrificing defensive responsibility, they are more than capable of winning. But if Vegas can clog up the middle of the ice, win the physical battles, and capitalize on any mistakes, they’ll be poised to repeat history and move one step closer to another Cup Final.
Regardless of outcome, fans are in for a treat. The Oilers and Golden Knights are two of the most entertaining teams in hockey, each with something to prove. As the puck drops on Game 1, the stakes couldn’t be higher—and neither could the excitement. This is playoff hockey at its best: fast, physical, passionate, and unpredictable. The road to the Stanley Cup only gets tougher from here, and both Edmonton and Vegas know that only one team will emerge from this gauntlet. For now, all eyes turn to the rink as two hockey heavyweights prepare to collide in what could be an instant classic.
