Edmonton Oilers
A budding Pacific Division rivalry with playoff history and star power on both sides.
The Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers have developed a fierce inter-conference rivalry, marked by high-stakes playoff encounters and contrasting styles of play. While the two teams have met in the postseason, the most notable matchup to date occurred in the 2023 Western Conference Second Round, where the Golden Knights defeated the Oilers in six games en route to their first Stanley Cup championship.
- character
- Inter-conference Western Rivalry
- Affiliation
- Pacific Division (Vegas) vs. Pacific Division (Edmonton)
- Status
- Active, High-Stakes Matchup
- Key Dynamic
- Expansion Grit vs. Star Power
- Notable Era
- McDavid/Draisaitl Dominance
Lore & Background
The rivalry between the Oilers and Golden Knights intensified during the 2023 playoffs, when Vegas eliminated Edmonton in the second round. The Oilers, led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, pushed the series to six games but ultimately fell to the Golden Knights' deep roster and disciplined system. The following year, the Oilers advanced to the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, where they lost to the Florida Panthers in seven games, while the Golden Knights were eliminated in the first round. As of the current date, no playoff meetings have occurred between the two teams in 2025, and any claims about future series outcomes are speculative.
In Their Own Story
The 2025 second-round series between the Oilers and the Golden Knights was a rematch of the previous year's Western Conference finals. The Oilers, having just rallied from an 0–2 deficit against the Los Angeles Kings, carried that momentum into the series against Vegas. The Oilers won the series in five games, advancing to the conference finals against the Dallas Stars.
Reader's Guide
The 2025 playoff series between the Oilers and the Golden Knights was the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Oilers entered after a first-round comeback against the Los Angeles Kings, winning four straight after trailing 0–2. The Oilers then beat the Golden Knights in five games. This was a rematch of the 2024 Western Conference finals, which the Oilers also won. After eliminating Vegas, the Oilers defeated the Dallas Stars in five games to reach the Stanley Cup Final, where they lost to the Florida Panthers in six games.
Did You Know?
- The Oilers and Golden Knights first met in the playoffs during the 2023 Western Conference Second Round, with Vegas winning the series 4–2.
- The Golden Knights went on to win the Stanley Cup in 2023, their first championship in franchise history.
- The Oilers reached the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, losing to the Florida Panthers in seven games.
- Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have combined for over 30 points in playoff series against Vegas.
- As of the current date, no playoff series between these teams has occurred beyond the 2023 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Edmonton Oilers in relation to Vegas?
The Oilers are a historic Pacific Division powerhouse that serves as a primary Western Conference rival for the expansion-era Golden Knights. Their matchups highlight a clash between Edmonton's superstar-driven offense and Vegas's collective, gritty resilience.
What defines the dynamic of this rivalry?
This matchup is defined by the contrast between the Knights' modern expansion ambition and the Oilers' established royalty status in the league. Games often feature high-octane offensive firepower from Edmonton against a defensive-minded, hard-working Vegas squad.
When did these two teams first face off?
The rivalry officially began during the 2017-18 NHL season when the Golden Knights joined the league as an expansion franchise. Since then, they have faced each other regularly as fellow members of the Pacific Division.
Why is this matchup considered high-stakes?
These games are critical because both teams frequently compete for top playoff seeds within the Western Conference and the Pacific Division standings. A win often determines momentum heading into the postseason for either franchise.
Which players drive the Oilers' success in this series?
The contest is largely driven by the dominance of Edmonton superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who lead their team's high-scoring attack. Their individual brilliance constantly challenges Vegas to elevate its defensive structure and special teams play.