Benched in favor of Calvin Pickard midway through the first round, he returned to the Edmonton Oilers’ net and shut the Golden Knights out in back-to-back games to eliminate Vegas with a 1-0 overtime win Wednesday night at T-Mobile Arena.

Kasperi Kapanen jammed in a rebound on the goal line to win it for the Oilers seven minutes into OT.

The sudden-death tally gave Edmonton a 4-1 series win. The Oilers advance to the Western Conference final for the second straight season, and third time in the last four years, where they await the winner of the Winnipeg Jets and Dallas Stars series.

Skinner has now stopped the last 48 shots he’s faced, and will take a 127-minute shutout streak into the conference final. Adin Hill stopped 29 of the 30 shots he faced on Wednesday, but the one goal he let in ended Vegas’ season.

There weren’t many scoring chances in either direction through the first 60 minutes. The teams combined for 47 shots on goal and 13 high-danger chances in regulation.

Both defenses held strong, keeping the puck to the outside of the defensive zone and forcing shots to come from a distance. In net, both Skinner and Hill made easy work of the long shots, handling rebounds relatively well to avoid scramble situations in front of them.

The Oilers improved to 7-0 in close-out opportunities in games 5 or 6 in the Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl era. They knocked out the Los Angeles Kings last series with a 6-4 win in Game 6.

This is the fourth time the Golden Knights’ season has ended on an overtime goal. They were eliminated by sudden-death goals by Montreal’s Artturi Lehkonen in 2021, the Stars’ Denis Gurianov in 2020 and San Jose’s Barclay Goodrow in 2019.

This is Vegas’ first time exiting in the second round of the playoffs in franchise history. The Golden Knights were a perfect 4-0 in the second round prior to this, losing in the first round twice and advancing to at least the conference final four times.

Skinner settling back into No. 1 role
With Pickard out of the picture for at least the near term – Collin Delia did third-string duties at the morning skate – the net clearly belongs to Skinner.

After an iffy first start in Game 3, culminating with that buzzer-beating game-winner by Reilly Smith, Skinner is back to looking like the goalie who closed out series with aplomb so often last year.

Skinner followed up a 23-save shutout in Game 4 by stopping all 24 shots he faced on Wednesday. Much like two nights earlier, Skinner wasn’t tested with a barrage of high-quality chances. He also got a little help when Brett Howden couldn’t tap in a beautiful feed from Jack Eichel in the third period.

Still, Skinner made the saves he needed to make. The Oilers should have more confidence in their last line of defense, a good thing since there’s little in the way of a safety net while Pickard remains sidelined.

McDavid’s point streak is snapped
McDavid has been doing McDavid things in these playoffs, producing offensively at his usual incredible rate. McDavid entered Wednesday’s game with 17 points in 10 contests and riding an eight-game point streak (two goals and 11 assists).

Well, that came to an end in Game 5 as McDavid was slowed as part of a mostly lethargic pace throughout the night.

There was some concern about McDavid when he went crashing heavily into the end boards while trying to break up a Golden Knights rush late in the first period. He sustained a cut above his lip and had a lengthy chat on the bench with head athletic therapist T.D. Forss but didn’t end up missing his next shift and wound up playing 23:50.

Oilers’ power play comes up short
The power play has been the Oilers’ bread and butter for so long, but it’s been inconsistent in the playoffs and downright nonexistent on the road.

The struggles continued on Wednesday as the Oilers failed to score on their two chances, falling to 0-for-14 away from Edmonton. They had the first two opportunities of the game and generated little with a pair of bad-angle shots by Draisaitl representing their best of the four they got on net.

At least the Oilers did buck a trend when it came to special teams. It was the first time in the playoffs that they’ve had more power plays than their opponent. This was their 11th game.

Vegas ends with lengthy scoreless streak
The Golden Knights’ season ended on an unbelievable goalless drought of 127:14, failing to score on Skinner in either of the final two games.

The game featured very few scoring opportunities, and early on the Golden Knights struggled to hit the net on the few chances they did generate. It’s been a storyline since Game 1, when Vegas hit the net on its fewest percentage of unblocked shots in franchise history, and didn’t improve much as the series progressed.

On Wednesday, the Golden Knights were on target with only 24 of 64 shot attempts. They had only 13 shots on goal through the first 40 minutes of hockey. William Karlsson and Reilly Smith were both held without a single shot on goal. Pavel Dorofeyev led the way for Vegas with five shots, while Jack Eichel had three.

Vegas missed its captain dearly
The Golden Knights just aren’t the same team when Mark Stone isn’t on the ice, or the bench. It’s felt that way for six years now.

Not only are Stone’s defensive acumen and playmaking ability missed, his raw emotion and leadership are invaluable for this team, and that was obvious again on Wednesday. Despite facing elimination, Vegas just didn’t seem to have much of a push until well into the third period, when the offensive attack picked up considerably.

Nicolas Roy did an admirable job filling in for Stone on the wing. He was the Golden Knights’ best player for most of the night, winning board battles, buzzing through the neutral zone with speed and hanging onto possession to extend plays in the offensive zone.

He wasn’t able to replicate Stone’s passing ability from below the goal line on Vegas’ lone power play, but few can. Vegas’ power play, which has been a major advantage all season and was early in this postseason, went scoreless on its last six opportunities.

The Edmonton Oilers’ thrilling 4-3 overtime victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5 of their conference semifinal series marked a defining moment in their playoff run, propelling them into the Western Conference Final and igniting hope among their fans and players alike. This hard-fought, emotionally charged victory encapsulated the resilience, skill, and mental toughness that have characterized the Oilers’ postseason journey so far. As they advance, there are numerous key takeaways—strategic, individual, and team-oriented—that highlight both the significance of this win and the path forward. In this comprehensive analysis, we delve into the game’s pivotal moments, standout performances, tactical adjustments, and broader implications, providing a detailed reflection on the Oilers’ epic series victory and what it means for their future.

**Setting the Stage: The Series and Its High Stakes**

Entering the series, expectations were high but tempered by the recognition of the Golden Knights’ formidable reputation. Vegas had been a playoff powerhouse, known for their disciplined defense, relentless forechecking, and clutch performances. Conversely, the Oilers, led by superstar Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, were seen as a high-powered offensive team capable of explosive plays but sometimes vulnerable defensively.

The series initially played out as a rollercoaster, with each team trading wins and demonstrating resilience. The Golden Knights, boasting a deep roster and playoff experience, held a slight edge in some matchups, but Edmonton’s star power kept them competitive. The series was characterized by physicality, strategic chess matches, and moments of individual brilliance. As the series progressed to Game 5, the stakes reached a crescendo, with both teams knowing that victory would send them to the conference final—a step closer to the Stanley Cup.

**Game 5: A Nail-Biting, Overtime Thriller**

The decisive Game 5 unfolded as a microcosm of playoff intensity: tight, physical, and emotionally draining. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging goals and momentum swings. Vegas opened the scoring early, asserting their forechecking dominance, only for Edmonton to respond with a power-play tally from Draisaitl. The resilience was palpable, with the game remaining tied through regulation.

The third period saw the Golden Knights push hard to regain the lead, but Edmonton’s defensive structure held firm, led by disciplined positioning and clutch goaltending from Stuart Skinner. As the clock wound down, the game remained deadlocked at 3-3, and the tension was palpable in the arena and across hockey-fan communities.

The overtime period was a microcosm of the series—fierce, fast, and unpredictable. It was during this period that Connor McDavid showcased his playoff poise, weaving through defenders and setting up the game-winning goal. A brilliant pass from McDavid found Evander Kane, who buried the puck past the Vegas goalie, sealing the victory and the series for Edmonton.

**Key Takeaways from the Series and the Game 5 Victory**

1. **Resilience and Mental Toughness Define the Oilers’ Identity**
Throughout the series, Edmonton demonstrated remarkable resilience. Despite facing adversity—whether it was Vegas’s aggressive forechecking, injuries, or the pressure of elimination games—the Oilers refused to back down. The ability to respond after setbacks, maintain composure under pressure, and elevate their game in clutch moments was a defining trait. The Game 5 victory, especially in overtime, epitomized this mental toughness, showcasing the team’s belief in their capacity to prevail when it mattered most.

2. **Star Power and Leadership Shine Bright Under Pressure**
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl continued to be the catalysts, orchestrating key plays and scoring crucial goals. McDavid’s speed, vision, and playmaking ability were instrumental in setting up the game-winner, while Draisaitl’s physical presence and offensive instinct kept Edmonton afloat during tight periods. Their leadership on and off the ice galvanized the team, inspiring confidence and elevating performances from role players. The clutch goal in overtime underscored their ability to deliver in the biggest moments.

3. **Defensive Discipline and Goaltending Make the Difference**
While the series was driven by offensive fireworks, the importance of disciplined defense and exceptional goaltending cannot be overstated. Stuart Skinner’s performance, especially in critical moments, provided the foundation for Edmonton’s success. His calmness, positioning, and timely saves kept the Oilers in games when Vegas applied pressure. Defensively, the Oilers’ unit, including Darnell Nurse and Evan Bouchard, played a vital role in clearing rebounds, blocking shots, and limiting Grade-A scoring chances.

4. **Special Teams Play a Decisive Factor**
Power-play efficiency and penalty-killing prowess swung key moments in the series. Edmonton’s power play was opportunistic, capitalizing on crucial opportunities, while their penalty kill stood tall against Vegas’s potent power-play units. Special teams consistency provided the edge in tight games, especially in high-stakes moments like Game 5.

5. **Depth and Role Players Step Up When It Matters Most**
Beyond the star duo, contributions from role players were pivotal. Evander Kane’s physicality and goal-scoring, Zach Hyman’s relentless forechecking, and rookies like Mattias Ekholm providing stability underscored the team’s depth. These contributions often made the difference in grinding playoff battles, reaffirming the importance of a well-rounded roster.

6. **Tactical Adjustments and Coaching Strategy**
Head coach Jay Woodcroft’s strategic adjustments throughout the series proved crucial. Recognizing Vegas’s forechecking and neutral-zone pressure, Edmonton employed tighter gap control, quick puck movement, and strategic line changes. In Game 5, their ability to adapt, manage ice time effectively, and instill confidence in players was evident. The decision to deploy McDavid in overtime, trusting his skill and instincts, paid dividends, leading to the series-winning goal.

7. **The Power of Momentum and Confidence**
Winning a series in overtime provides a significant psychological boost. For Edmonton, this victory not only advances them to the conference final but also cements their belief that they can win under pressure. The confidence gained from such a victory can be transformative, fueling their drive in upcoming battles.

8. **The Significance of Experience and Composure**
While Edmonton’s core has young stars, their playoff experience is growing, especially with veterans like Draisaitl and role players who have been through deep runs. This experience was evident in their composure during tense moments and their ability to execute under pressure. The series and Game 5 exemplified a team that is evolving into a mature playoff contender.

**Broader Implications and Future Outlook**

The Oilers’ advancement to the conference final is more than just a milestone; it signals a shift in their postseason trajectory. Their resilience, tactical discipline, and star leadership have positioned them as serious contenders for the Stanley Cup. The victory over Vegas affirms that Edmonton can compete and prevail in grinding, high-stakes games—a critical attribute for playoff success.

Looking ahead, several key areas warrant attention. Maintaining defensive discipline, managing player fatigue, and ensuring depth will be crucial as they face even tougher opponents. The team’s youth and emerging talent suggest a promising future, but continued development and strategic refinement are essential.

Furthermore, this victory serves as a rallying point for the franchise, energizing players and fans alike. The narrative has shifted from underdog skeptics to a confident team with legitimate championship aspirations. The experience gained from this series—particularly the mental toughness, clutch performances, and tactical adaptability—will be invaluable in the next round and beyond.

The Edmonton Oilers’ overtime victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5 was a testament to their resilience, star power, and strategic discipline. It marked a pivotal moment in their playoff journey, earning them a spot in the Western Conference Final and reinforcing their status as serious contenders. Key takeaways include their mental toughness, the importance of disciplined defense and goaltending, contributions from role players, and the leadership of their stars. As they prepare for the next challenge, the lessons learned from this series will serve as a foundation for continued success. For fans and analysts alike, this victory exemplifies the thrilling unpredictability of playoff hockey and the relentless pursuit of greatness that defines the Edmonton Oilers’ current era.