The Edmonton Oilers return to Rogers Place on Monday night for a crucial Game 4 against the Vegas Golden Knights. Holding a 2-1 series lead in the Western Conference semifinals, Edmonton is looking to respond after a heartbreaking 4-3 loss in Game 3, decided by a last-second goal from Reilly Smith.
Despite the dramatic finish, the Oilers remain in control of the series and will aim to take a commanding 3-1 lead before heading back to Las Vegas. Puck drop is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Edmonton Oilers Game 4 Storylines To Watch
Edmonton’s Short-Memory Approach
Head coach Kris Knoblauch and his players have emphasized the importance of turning the page quickly. “That’s the playoffs,” defenseman Darnell Nurse said. “We move on to the next one.”
The Oilers were undone by defensive lapses and poor late-game management in Game 3, particularly allowing Smith to find space in the final second. Yet, they showed flashes of dominance, especially in the opening period, when Corey Perry scored twice.
Goaltender Stuart Skinner, who made 25 saves in Game 3, will get the nod again as Calvin Pickard remains sidelined. Skinner was solid, but Edmonton will need to clean up its defensive play in front of him.
Vegas Finding Momentum Without Key Players
The Golden Knights found life in Game 3 despite missing captain Mark Stone. Goals from Nicolas Roy, William Karlsson, and two from Smith helped Vegas claw back into the series. Jack Eichel quietly continued his playmaking streak with another assist, extending his run to six consecutive games with a helper.
Vegas leaned on its depth to come from behind and will likely continue to rely on a balanced attack. Adin Hill is expected to start again in goal after stabilizing the crease for Vegas.
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl vs. Vegas’ Blue Line
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have combined for 31 points in the playoffs and continue to drive Edmonton’s high-octane offense. Vegas will need to find answers defensively, particularly in limiting McDavid’s space on the power play.
Special Teams Battle
The Oilers’ power play remains lethal, converting in four straight home games. Vegas, meanwhile, has been opportunistic with its own man-advantage, powered by Eichel’s puck distribution and a top-tier conversion rate.
Goaltending Consistency
Skinner’s rebound from Game 3 will be critical. Hill has quietly been solid for Vegas and could become a bigger factor if the series tightens.
Knights vs. Oilers Projected Game 4 Lineups
Oilers Forwards
Leon Draisaitl – Connor McDavid – Corey Perry
Evander Kane – Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Zach Hyman
Trent Frederic – Adam Henrique – Connor Brown
Vasily Podkolzin – Mattias Janmark – Viktor Arvidsson
Defense
Darnell Nurse – Evan Bouchard
Jake Walman – John Klingberg
Brett Kulak – Ty Emberson
Goaltender
Stuart Skinner (starter)
Olivier Rodrigue
Golden Knights Forwards
Ivan Barbashev – Jack Eichel – Mark Stone*
Victor Olofsson – Tomas Hertl – Pavel Dorofeyev
Brett Howden – William Karlsson – Reilly Smith
Tanner Pearson – Nicolas Roy – Keegan Kolesar
* Listed day to day
Defense
Shea Theodore – Alex Pietrangelo
Noah Hanifin – Zach Whitecloud
Nicolas Hague – Kaedan Korczak
Goaltender
Adin Hill (starter)
Akira Schmid
Knights vs. Oilers Game 4 Prediction
Game 4 is shaping up to be a tightly contested battle between two teams with plenty of firepower and playoff experience.
Edmonton has held the edge at even strength and should come out with added urgency. If they can limit defensive miscues and capitalize on special teams, they’re in a good position to take control of the series.
Prediction: Oilers 4, Golden Knights 3
