Vegas falls 4-2 in Game 1 of their second-round series to the Edmonton Oilers thanks to a three-goal third period from two of their top goal scorers in Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman. Connor Brown's goal 1:14 after the Hyman one was an extra painful dagger. And an earned one, given how the Golden Knights fell off the map after the first intermission. It’s still likely a long series, but Tuesday night doesn’t instill a good deal of hope.
On the (very thin and bendable) plus side, in the last two playoff series that Vegas was down 1-0, they ended up winning. If they want to make it a third series, they’re gonna need a better third period… And more. Here are my three takeaways from a mud pie in the punch bowl Game 1 at the Fortress.
Strong first period Vegas crumbles in the second to great detriment
The Golden Knights started things out as strong and steady defensively as they did in Game 6 against Minnesota. The only blemish in the first was the Corey Perry goal, which was Edmonton's first big zone rush. Then came the second period and all that crumbled like a sand castle in a rainstorm. Vegas was outshot 18-7 from the second period onward, allowing the speed of Edmonton to run freely and torch this team.
Along with setting a franchise record for fewest shots in a period Tuesday night, the Golden Knights also had their fewest shots in a playoff game since the 15 they had on Dallas in Game 1 of the first round last year. One that they, of course, lost almost exactly the same time last year. And if this becomes a pattern the deeper we go into this series, they will lose this one too.
Adin Hill had another dumpster fire period in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs
It’s hard to be overly critical on Hill, given that he was the sole reason Vegas even got into the third period with a lead. But “dumpster fire” is the best way I can describe his performance in that third. The game-tying goal by Draisaitl came from bad handles of a blocked Evan Bouchard goal. The game-winner by Hyman and, honestly, the Connor Brown goal with 1:46 left… He looked like he had been hit by the Slow-Slow beam.
This is the third time he’s given up four goals in a start in the playoffs, already more than he had in the Cup run two years ago. Game 1 does offer an important note about this series. If he looks like this in Game 2, it's going to be an uncomfortable weekend for him and this hockey team.
Mark Stone provides little beacon of good, and a warning for the rest of the series
THIS MAN CAN'T BE STOPPED 😤 pic.twitter.com/8AxQjtZEtY
— y-Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) May 7, 2025
It's easy to dwell on the litany of troubles Vegas had on Tuesday night, whether it’s the two combined shots that came from the Hertl line. Ivan Barbashev registering his third straight shotless game this postseason doesn't help, either. But I wanted to take some time to give some flowers to Mark Stone’s two-goal night. He was part of that top line to register every Vegas point in the game, and was the only forward with more than one blocked shot.
Six of the last seven goals the Golden Knights have scored this postseason have come from the top line. Only two other forwards have more than two goals. Even with a defensive unit that can score, that is a recipe for trouble against a much deeper Edmonton team compared to 2023.
Next on the Marquee:
It’s Game 2 back at the Fortress on Thursday night at 6:30 P.M. Much like Game 4 against Minnesota was, even this early in the series, this is a giant must-win. The last thing Vegas needs is an Edmonton team heading back home for Game 3 Saturday night with a ton of confidence. How successful it will largely depend on Hill, and an offense that looks more December than mid to late January. Until then…