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Golden Knights Look for First Road Win Against McDavid-less Oilers
The Vegas Golden Knights are set to begin a two-game road trip with a Wednesday night matchup against the Edmonton Oilers, marking the first encounter of the season between these two Pacific Division rivals. With Connor McDavid sidelined due to an ankle injury, the Golden Knights have a unique opportunity to secure their first road win of the season.
Golden Knights Seek to Convert Home Success to Road Wins
The defending Stanley Cup champions, Vegas Golden Knights, have shown a stark contrast in performance between home and away games so far this season. They’ve tied a franchise record with eight straight wins on home ice, boasting a perfect 8-0-0 home record. However, their 0-3-1 road record highlights the team’s struggles to replicate that dominance in away games.
In their latest game, a 4-3 overtime victory against the Utah Hockey Club, Brett Howden scored the game-winner in overtime, but it was defenseman Noah Hanifin who stole the spotlight. Hanifin, a 27-year-old native of Boston, recorded a goal and two assists, surpassing his total point production from the entire month of October. Head coach Bruce Cassidy noted Hanifin’s offensive contributions are essential for the team, especially on the road, where they’ve struggled to produce scoring opportunities.
“It was important for [Hanifin] to find his game offensively,” Cassidy said. “That’s something he counts on and expects to bring to the team.”
Oilers Struggling Without McDavid’s Firepower
The Edmonton Oilers, meanwhile, face their own set of challenges, having lost some critical offensive power with McDavid’s injury. The team has struggled to find its footing, dropping three of its first four games and being outscored 15-3 by opponents like the Winnipeg Jets, Chicago Blackhawks, and Calgary Flames.
The Oilers recently found success in a 4-2 victory against the Flames in the 265th Battle of Alberta, extending their winning streak in Calgary to seven games. Yet, their inconsistency was evident in their next game, where they suffered a 3-0 shutout loss to the New Jersey Devils on Monday. This inconsistency has dampened the Oilers’ start to the season, especially after finishing last season as runners-up in the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers.
Leon Draisaitl’s Elite Play Leads the Oilers
With McDavid sidelined, Edmonton has leaned heavily on Leon Draisaitl, one of the NHL’s top scorers. The German center has not disappointed, posting 16 points (nine goals and seven assists) in Edmonton’s first 13 games. He is on track to reach the 100-point milestone once again, proving he can keep Edmonton competitive despite their roster challenges.
Draisaitl’s leadership on the ice has been essential, but Edmonton’s offense still lacks the depth it would have with McDavid, whose ability to create scoring opportunities and deliver clutch plays is unparalleled. Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch has praised Draisaitl’s consistency but noted that the team’s overall offense needs more firepower to sustain success.
Connor McDavid’s Road to Recovery and Possible Return
Edmonton fans have reason for optimism, as McDavid is reportedly recovering ahead of schedule. After sustaining an ankle injury on October 28, McDavid was initially expected to be out for two to three weeks. However, he recently participated in an optional skate, hinting at a potential return as early as Saturday for the Oilers’ game against the Vancouver Canucks on Hockey Night in Canada.
“He’s a competitor,” Knoblauch said. “He wants to be out on the ice, and he wants to be helping the team win. He knows his body and the doctors are giving him their medical advice. Ultimately, it’s going to come down to when the doctors think it’s best for him to come back.”
McDavid’s presence would immediately boost Edmonton’s offense and offer a critical morale lift for a team that has struggled without him.
Matchup Dynamics: Golden Knights vs. Oilers
Wednesday’s game sets up an intriguing clash, as the Golden Knights try to carry their home-ice momentum onto the road. Their depth scoring and disciplined defensive play have been assets, and they will look to shut down Edmonton’s offense, especially Draisaitl, who has taken on a larger role in McDavid’s absence.
For Edmonton, the game represents another opportunity to find stability. A win against a top-tier team like the Golden Knights could restore some confidence and prove they can compete without McDavid. However, the Oilers’ defense will need to be airtight, and they’ll need more contributions from players outside of Draisaitl if they hope to prevent another loss.
What’s at Stake?
Both teams have a lot riding on this game. The Golden Knights are aiming to solidify their dominance in the Pacific Division, where they are currently in first place, while Edmonton hopes to shake off early-season struggles and prove they’re still a contender. For Vegas, it’s a chance to prove they can perform on the road, a critical factor as they look to make another deep playoff run. For Edmonton, it’s about proving resilience and showing they’re more than a one-man team, especially as they await McDavid’s return.
As both teams take the ice in Edmonton, fans can expect a hard-fought battle with playoff implications that extend far beyond a single game. A win for either team could set the tone for the rest of the season and the rivalry between these two Pacific powerhouses.
