Vegas Golden Knights vs Edmonton Oilers Picks and Predictions April 1st 2025

Golden Knights Look to Extend Win Streak Against Oilers

The Vegas Golden Knights (45-20-8, 98 points) are on the verge of another milestone season as they welcome the Edmonton Oilers (42-26-5, 89 points) to T-Mobile Arena on Tuesday night. A victory would push the Golden Knights to the 100-point mark for just the third time in franchise history, a feat they previously achieved in their inaugural 2017-18 season (109 points) and last season when they finished with 111 points en route to winning the Stanley Cup.

Vegas has been one of the NHL’s most consistent teams this year and enters this contest riding a six-game winning streak. They hold a seven-point lead over the second-place Los Angeles Kings (41-23-9, 91 points) and are nine points ahead of the third-place Oilers with just nine games remaining in the regular season. While the Golden Knights appear poised to secure the division title, Edmonton is fighting to gain ground in hopes of earning home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

The Oilers, coming off an emotional 3-2 overtime win against the Calgary Flames in the latest installment of the Battle of Alberta, will need to find another level to take down the red-hot Golden Knights—especially with superstar captain Connor McDavid still sidelined due to injury.

Vegas Hitting Peak Form Ahead of Playoffs

The Golden Knights are playing some of their best hockey of the season at the perfect time. After sweeping a three-game road trip against Minnesota, Chicago, and Nashville—outscoring their opponents 13-5 in the process—they return to T-Mobile Arena, where they have been nearly unbeatable this season. Their 27-7-3 home record is among the best in the league, making them a tough matchup for any opponent.

Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy has emphasized a well-rounded approach to winning games, ensuring that the team is strong in all aspects—offense, defense, and special teams.

“You never want to get ahead of yourself, but I said last week I thought that we were trending really well,” Cassidy said following Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Nashville. “So we’re certainly closer to the top of the scale than the bottom, especially our overall game. We’re not only winning because we’re scoring. It’s not one thing. It’s not one line. It’s not one special team. It’s a little bit of everything.”

One of the biggest factors in Vegas’ success has been their depth. Unlike some teams that rely heavily on one or two star players, the Golden Knights have received contributions from up and down their lineup. Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, Jonathan Marchessault, and William Karlsson have all played key roles, but it’s been the team’s ability to roll four lines and maintain consistency that has made them so dangerous.

Tuesday’s game will serve as a major test for Vegas, as they host two of the NHL’s top teams in back-to-back games—starting with the Oilers and then the league-leading Winnipeg Jets on Thursday.

Leon Draisaitl Leading the Charge for Edmonton

Despite missing Connor McDavid, the Oilers have remained competitive, thanks in large part to Leon Draisaitl. The 28-year-old forward has stepped up in McDavid’s absence, including a spectacular performance in Edmonton’s 3-2 overtime win over Calgary.

Draisaitl scored his NHL-leading 50th goal of the season late in regulation to tie the game before delivering the game-winner in overtime. His sixth overtime goal of the season set a new NHL single-season record, further solidifying his case for the Hart Trophy as league MVP.

“They’re all special in their own way but, obviously, in that moment to find one, especially the way the game has gone, is nice,” Draisaitl said after the win.

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His teammates were just as impressed.

“He was amazing tonight, coming back off an injury, scoring two crucial goals for us,” Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse said. “In my opinion, he’s the MVP, seeing what he’s done this year. If you don’t have a lot of the effort and performances that he’s had, we’re probably not sitting in the position that we are.”

Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch provided an update on McDavid’s status, stating that while the five-time Art Ross Trophy winner remains sidelined, he is expected to return before the regular season ends.

While the Oilers have proven they can win without McDavid, they’ll need another strong performance from Draisaitl and their supporting cast—including Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, and Evander Kane—if they want to take down the streaking Golden Knights.

Key Matchup: Vegas Defense vs. Draisaitl

One of the biggest storylines heading into this game is how the Golden Knights’ defense will handle Draisaitl. Without McDavid in the lineup, Vegas’ defensive pairings—led by Shea Theodore and Alex Pietrangelo—can focus much of their attention on shutting down the Oilers’ top scorer.

Vegas has been stingy defensively of late, allowing just five goals in their last three games. Goaltender Logan Thompson has been solid between the pipes, and the Golden Knights will likely lean on him again to counter Edmonton’s offensive firepower.

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Game Information

• Date: Tuesday, April 2, 2024
• Location: T-Mobile Arena – Las Vegas, NV
• Time: 10:00 PM ET
• Broadcast: ESPN, Sportsnet, AT&T SportsNet

Final Thoughts

With the playoffs quickly approaching, this game has major implications for both teams. The Golden Knights are looking to extend their winning streak and hit the 100-point milestone, while the Oilers aim to stay within striking distance of the Pacific Division leaders.

Can Vegas continue its dominance at home, or will Draisaitl and the Oilers find a way to steal a crucial road win?

For more NHL coverage, playoff updates, and in-depth game analysis, visit NHL.com.