Stuart Skinner turned aside all 23 shots, Connor McDavid extended his playoff point streak to eight games & Adam Henrique’s two-goal night included the GWG!
In a pivotal Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals, the Edmonton Oilers delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights, taking a 3-1 series lead. The performance was highlighted by Stuart Skinner’s stellar goaltending, Adam Henrique’s crucial goals, and Connor McDavid’s continued offensive brilliance.
Stepping in for the injured Calvin Pickard, Stuart Skinner made 23 saves to earn his first shutout of the 2025 playoffs and second career postseason shutout. His performance silenced critics who had questioned his consistency earlier in the season. Skinner’s resilience and composure were evident as he faced multiple high-pressure situations, including a breakaway and a power-play opportunity for the Golden Knights. His timely saves kept the Oilers in control and allowed them to capitalize on offensive opportunities.
Adam Henrique’s two first-period goals set the tone for the game. His first goal came at 5:42, capitalizing on a rebound in front of the net. Just under five minutes later, he added another, redirecting a slap pass from defenseman Evan Bouchard. Henrique’s timely scoring not only gave the Oilers an early lead but also provided them with the confidence to maintain pressure throughout the game.
Connor McDavid continued his postseason dominance, extending his playoff point streak to eight games with an assist on Henrique’s second goal. His vision and playmaking ability were on full display as he set up the play, showcasing why he’s considered one of the best in the game. McDavid’s consistent performance has been a driving force for the Oilers throughout the playoffs.
The Oilers’ collective effort was evident in their disciplined play and defensive coverage. Evander Kane added a goal and an assist, contributing to the team’s offensive output. The defensemen, led by Bouchard, were effective in limiting the Golden Knights’ scoring chances and maintaining puck possession. The team’s commitment to both ends of the ice was a key factor in their dominant performance.
The Golden Knights struggled to generate offense, failing to capitalize on power-play opportunities and facing a relentless Oilers defense. Coach Bruce Cassidy and winger Reilly Smith acknowledged the team’s lack of urgency and intensity, which hindered their ability to compete effectively. Vegas will need to regroup and address these issues to avoid elimination in the upcoming games.
With the Oilers leading the series 3-1, they have the opportunity to close it out in Game 5. The Golden Knights face the challenge of winning three consecutive games to advance, a feat they accomplished in the first round against the Minnesota Wild. The series continues Wednesday in Las Vegas, where both teams will look to assert their dominance and secure a crucial victory.
