Zach Hyman scored the game-winning goal in the closing seconds of the Oilers’ 4-2 victory over the Golden Knights in Game 1, setting an NHL record for their sixth consecutive postseason comeback victory.

The Edmonton Oilers have long been known for their explosive offense, featuring some of the most dynamic players in the NHL. Yet, in their thrilling Game 1 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, it wasn’t just the star power of Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl that stole the show. It was Zach Hyman, the versatile forward with a knack for coming through in clutch moments, who netted the game-winning goal in the closing seconds, sealing a 4-2 win and propelling the Oilers to a historic achievement.

This victory not only set the tone for the series but also marked a remarkable feat in the NHL’s storied postseason history. Hyman’s goal capped off a dramatic comeback, and with it, the Oilers secured their sixth consecutive postseason comeback victory—a new NHL record. The resilience and grit displayed by the team in this game exemplified why they have become one of the most dangerous clubs in the league when it comes to thriving under pressure.

The stage was set for a thrilling matchup between two of the Western Conference’s most formidable teams. The Oilers, fresh off an impressive regular season, entered the playoffs as one of the league’s top contenders. Their offensive firepower, led by the likes of McDavid and Draisaitl, was complemented by the gritty play of Hyman and a solid defensive corps. However, the Golden Knights, known for their disciplined defense and balanced attack, were no slouches. With a well-rounded team and solid goaltending from Logan Thompson, the Golden Knights were poised to make their own deep playoff run.

Game 1, played in Vegas at T-Mobile Arena, was expected to be a battle of contrasting styles—offensive juggernauts versus tactical, defensive-minded play. Both teams came into the game with a wealth of postseason experience, each determined to set the tone for the series. As the game progressed, it quickly became clear that this was going to be a tightly contested affair.

The Golden Knights wasted no time in asserting themselves early on. Just over five minutes into the game, defenseman Shea Theodore struck with a powerful shot from the blue line, catching Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner off guard. The puck found the back of the net, and Vegas took an early 1-0 lead.

The Oilers, typically a team that thrives on quick offensive strikes, struggled to generate scoring chances in the opening frame. Despite holding significant possession time, they were unable to break through Thompson’s solid goaltending and the Golden Knights’ defensive structure. The first period ended with the Golden Knights holding a narrow 1-0 lead, but Edmonton knew they had the firepower to turn things around.

The Oilers’ frustrations continued in the second period. A penalty for too many men on the ice put them on the penalty kill, and Vegas capitalized on the power play. Jack Eichel, the Golden Knights’ star center, made a perfect pass across the crease to Evgenii Dadonov, who buried the puck into the open net. The goal put Vegas ahead 2-0 and had the home crowd roaring in approval.

At that point, the Oilers found themselves in a familiar position—down by two goals. Yet, as they have done so often in recent playoff history, they showed their resilience, never allowing the deficit to deter them.

With their backs against the wall, the Oilers showed why they’ve become synonymous with thrilling comebacks in the postseason. Edmonton head coach Jay Woodcroft made a subtle but crucial adjustment, shifting the lines to generate more offensive pressure. The team’s star players, particularly McDavid and Draisaitl, began to ramp up their intensity, forcing the Golden Knights into defensive breakdowns.

It wasn’t long before the Oilers found their footing. Midway through the second period, with a man advantage after a Vegas penalty, Edmonton’s power play unit went to work. McDavid, the NHL’s reigning MVP, displayed his unparalleled vision as he set up Leon Draisaitl at the top of the circle. Draisaitl, who is known for his powerful one-timer, ripped a shot past Thompson to cut the deficit to 2-1.

The goal injected life into the Oilers, and the momentum began to shift. The Golden Knights, while still playing solid defense, began to show cracks as the Oilers pressed for the equalizer. The Oilers’ forecheck became more aggressive, and Hyman, a constant force around the net, played a pivotal role in setting up chances for his teammates.

Despite this increased pressure, Vegas held on, and the second period ended with the Golden Knights maintaining a 2-1 lead. But with the Oilers’ resurgence in the latter stages of the period, it felt as though the game was far from decided.

As the third period unfolded, the intensity reached new heights. The Golden Knights were determined to protect their slim lead, while the Oilers were pushing relentlessly for the tying goal. The game was becoming a true test of will, with both teams knowing the importance of Game 1 in a series as tight as this one.

With less than two minutes remaining and Skinner pulled for the extra attacker, the Oilers pressed hard. The Golden Knights, exhausted from the constant pressure, found themselves scrambling in their own zone. The Oilers’ relentless forechecking and puck possession were beginning to wear on Vegas, and it was only a matter of time before they broke through.

Then, with just 12 seconds left on the clock, Hyman found himself in the right place at the right time. After a scramble in front of Thompson’s crease, McDavid made a slick pass to Hyman, who was positioned perfectly to pounce on the rebound. In one swift motion, Hyman buried the puck into the back of the net, sending the Oilers bench into a frenzy and giving his team a 3-2 lead.

The goal was a testament to Hyman’s tenacity and positioning. His ability to read the play and be in the right spot at the right time had been crucial throughout the game, and now, with his goal, the Oilers had the lead they had been chasing for over two periods. The arena, once deafening with cheers for the Golden Knights, fell into stunned silence as the Oilers celebrated the dramatic turn of events.

Hyman’s goal didn’t just secure a crucial Game 1 win—it also made history. With their sixth consecutive comeback victory in the postseason, the Oilers set an NHL record. The team had now proven time and again that no lead was insurmountable, that their collective will to win could overcome any deficit. This victory marked another milestone in what has been a remarkable run for the Oilers, who have quickly become one of the most dangerous teams in the league when it comes to playoff comebacks.

This feat is not just a testament to the team’s skill, but also to their mental fortitude. While many teams may have folded under the pressure of a two-goal deficit in a high-stakes playoff game, the Oilers thrived. And at the heart of that success was Hyman, whose performance in Game 1 was emblematic of the Oilers’ ability to rise to the occasion.

While the Golden Knights left the ice with their heads down after the crushing loss, they are far from out of the series. Vegas showed throughout Game 1 that they are a well-coached, disciplined team with the ability to stifle high-powered offenses like Edmonton’s. However, the Oilers’ resilience and the playoff atmosphere in Edmonton make them a daunting opponent.

Vegas will need to adjust quickly. Goaltender Logan Thompson, who had been stellar in the first two periods, was ultimately undone by the relentless pressure of the Oilers in the final moments. If the Golden Knights hope to rebound in Game 2, they will need to find ways to counteract Edmonton’s aggressive forechecking and find more offense from their own depth players.

Zach Hyman’s game-winning goal in the dying seconds of Game 1 not only secured a dramatic victory for the Oilers but also set a new NHL record for consecutive postseason comebacks. This victory is a clear statement to the rest of the league that Edmonton is a team built for the most intense moments, and they will not go down quietly in the face of adversity.

With the series now in their favor, the Oilers have sent a message to the Golden Knights and the entire NHL that they are more than just an offensive powerhouse. They are a team that refuses to quit, a team that thrives in the most pressure-packed situations. As the series continues, one thing is certain: Zach Hyman and the Oilers will be a force to be reckoned with, and their historic comeback in Game 1 is just the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling playoff run.