Why the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers will be the best 2024-25 rivalry
The Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers don't like each other right now. Here's why it'll be the best rivalry in 2024-25.
The NHL is built on strong rivalries and tradition. That includes timeless classics such as Montreal vs. Boston and Detroit vs. Chicago. These feuds, while mainly Original Six match-ups, molded the league into what it is today. It gave hockey a steady foundation that withstood the test of time, where fathers could pass the love for the game down to their children.
But there's a budding rivalry that could fall into this mix. It doesn't involve two Original Six teams, but it has two of the better players in the league today. Fans love watching Jack Eichel and the Vegas Golden Knights compete against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers. It's a look into hockey's present and future, where the two superstars duke it out for Pacific Division supremacy.
One might think the following, concerning the Golden Knights having any rivalry:
"They're in the desert! How can any team possibly be their heated rivals?"
"Connor McDavid deserves better! Won't somebody think of the best player in the NHL?"
Here's the thing, dear reader. Both teams made the Stanley Cup Final in the past two seasons, facing off against the Florida Panthers. Only one won the Stanley Cup, doing so in five games. The other almost made a tremendous comeback from a 3-0 deficit.
Both the Oilers and Golden Knights will remain competitive for the next few years, creating countless memories in their rivalry. It's part of why this will become the marquee feud in that time frame. But here are three reasons why hockey fans should tune in to see Eichel vs. McDavid each time.
Jack Eichel vs. Connor McDavid
It's no secret that featuring two of the better players in hockey draws attention. Fans love seeing the best compete against each other for supremacy, especially in the NHL. For Jack Eichel, he leads the Vegas Golden Knights, directing the offense. He's been the missing piece the Golden Knights needed to win the Stanley Cup, scoring six goals and 26 points during their 2023 run.
For the Edmonton Oilers, it's Connor McDavid. The reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner scored 42 points in last season's Stanley Cup Final run, putting Edmonton within a game of the championship. Everyone knows about McDavid's talents, whether it's easily putting up more than 100 points in a season or being a three-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner.
The Oilers superstar needs a worthy rival whose team offers a contrasting style. That team must have a successful template for winning, making two Stanley Cup Final appearances since the start of 2017-2018, and bringing a title home. That's where Eichel comes in, for the Golden Knights are different from the Oilers in many ways. How so, you might ask?
The Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers are two different teams
Hockey fans who love pure offense will like the Edmonton Oilers. Aside from Connor McDavid, there's also Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Zach Hyman. The defending Western Conference champions offer the best top-six forward group in the NHL, making them a consistent threat to score every game.
On the other hand, the Vegas Golden Knights emphasize a solid forecheck and creating turnovers. You have Jack Eichel steering the ship and commanding the offensive attack. The Golden Knights also have numerous two-way players who can score consistently. That includes Mark Stone and William Karlsson, making them a tough matchup.
A great offense vs. a solid defense will never get old. That's especially true when it's the Golden Knights forecheck going up against that incredible top-six lineup of the Oilers. It leaves fans in suspense, wondering if the almighty McDavid will get the best of Vegas's defensive pressure. Add in the fact that both franchises have been successful in recent years and it makes this possibly the best rivalry in hockey.
The two teams have bad blood
In the second-round matchup in 2023, there were some noteworthy parts that had fans interested. First, Evander Kane was blowing kisses to the crowd and taunting Vegas Golden Knights fans. This occurred during Game 2, which the Edmonton Oilers won, 5-1. It stirred up bad feelings between both fanbases and caused animosity.
That animosity was felt when Alex Pietrangelo slashed Leon Draisaitl in a Game 4 loss. It led to a hearing where the defenseman was suspended one game for his actions. Pietrangelo said he regretted the penalty on the Oilers superstar in the closing moments. Still, the bad blood continued on the ice, where both teams were emotionally invested in beating the other.
The Golden Knights had the upper hand, winning the series in six (and eventually winning the Stanley Cup). However, the hatred between both fanbases can be felt on numerous social media platforms, whether it's X or Facebook. In short, it extended beyond the ice, which could make for the best rivalry in 2024-25.
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