LAS VEGAS -- To stay alive, the Vegas Golden Knights need to look alive early in Game 5 of the Western Conference Second Round against the Edmonton Oilers at T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday (9:30 p.m. ET; ESPN, SN, TVAS, CBC).

The Edmonton Oilers have done a very good job of finishing off playoff series when leading during the Connor McDavid era. Since their first playoff run with McDavid and Draisaitl back in 2017, they’ve made a habit of finishing off opponents at the first opportunity.

Despite an enormous gap between top and bottom performances, Edmonton is on the verge of advancing to Round 3.

But his defensive prowess has also been strong. It was on full display in Game 4 when he was on Golden Knights center Jack Eichel ’s hip pocket all night in a 3-0 win on Monday. And it’s given the Oilers a chance to close out the series in Game 5 at T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday (9:30 p.m. ET; ESPN, SN, TVAS, CBC).

That’s why it’s unlikely that RFA Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard and Toronto Maple Leafs left winger Matthew Knies will be targeted. The amount of money required to make them even consider leaving their team carries with it asset payouts that few teams have.

From the moment Connor McDavid’s name was announced at the 2015 NHL Draft, Edmonton Oilers fans have believed a Stanley Cup victory was inevitable. It has fueled every waking moment, every online conversation, all of the bar talk and each coffee klatch.

As the Oilers battle in the playoffs, a potential blockbuster offseason move is brewing. Reportedly, Edmonton is eyeing Florida Panthers' defenseman Aaron Ekblad, valued around $60 million, to fortify their defensive lineup.

The Carolina Hurricanes and Edmonton Oilers are one win away from their respective conference finals. Carolina once again took care of business against the Washington Capitals on Monday night with a home Game 4 victory.

The Los Angeles Kings hired Hall of Fame hockey executive Ken Holland as their general manager. Holland spent the past year out of the NHL after leaving the Edmonton Oilers by mutual decision in June 2024.

Will The Edmonton Oilers Overcome Their Goaltending Struggles Again? by The Wraparound undefined 0:00: What’s been the most concerning part of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ performance in Games 3 and 4 against the Florida Panthers?