So this is how it'll end. Evander Kane diving into goalies and not putting his shopping cart away. An ageless Corey Perry playing like a Hart Trophy candidate. Oilers fans clapping and believing like they saw a TNA World Champion (Joe Hendry).
But most of all, the Vegas Golden Knights not putting up an offensive fight is the possible death knell. You can make all the excuses you want. But six shots on goal in the first period isn't getting the job done.
Fast passes and not taking your shot won't win you a Stanley Cup, either. It doesn't help that Adin Hill gave away a couple of games in this series. In short, this Golden Knights team is flat.
Let's be honest. The Edmonton Oilers have played like a team that wants the Stanley Cup. The Golden Knights play like they expect it to be handed to them. The on-ice difference is appalling.
Now? You're down 3-1 and are facing elimination. That's not a good look for a team expected by many to hoist Lord Stanley again in June. Suddenly, the pressure has gotten to Vegas and left them flaccid. Fans are already prepping their late May plans.
The Vegas Golden Knights should be ashamed of how they've played in the Stanley Cup playoffs
I don't know whether it's a combination of fatigue, overconfidence, or poor play. But one thing's certain: The Vegas Golden Knights don't have it during this Stanley Cup playoff run.
First, where in the world was Pavel Dorofeyev? Has he disappeared like Carmen Sandiego? Sure, he might've been injured during the playoff run. But one goal and one assist won't do it.
Second, Adin Hill has been subpar throughout the series. There has been an occasional period of collapse where he's let in two or more goals. Yes, he was better tonight, stopping 29 of 32 shots. But is he the goaltender for the next six years or is it time for some Swiss chocolates?
Finally, 12 shots on goal in the first two periods is an abomination. Stuart Skinner was barely tested throughout the game, getting more comfortable as Game 4 progressed. Countless failed entries and a pass-happy offense led to a 3-0 hole that the Golden Knights couldn't escape.
All this doesn't bode well for a Golden Knights team expected to win it all
Say what you want about the series. But the Golden Knights haven't pulled their weight offensively. That resulted in a 3-0 loss that has them one loss away from hitting the links.
Take your pick from the various playoff failures, whether it's a flat Adin Hill, an invisible (like John Cena) Tomas Hertl, or an overwhelmed Pavel Dorofeyev. You could even say the Golden Knights were too tired to compete until late June.
But whatever the case, this performance won't win you anything. If Vegas wants to win the series, they must dig deep. This Edmonton Oilers team isn't going away with their newfound depth. They're going to fish for turnovers with an improved forecheck and make you pay for mishandling the puck.
But the Golden Knights can't play like they're the Seattle Mariners of the NHL. Play like you've won the Stanley Cup and you have the experience. Find a way to dominate offensively (especially since you haven't had a strong playoff performance this postseason). Make Evander Kane and the depth guys pay.
Otherwise, you're eliminated by Wednesday evening. You'll have let down an entire fanbase hoping you'll cash in on your dominant season. Most of all, you're letting your bitter rival get the last laugh.