5 Thoughts: Edmonton Oilers vs Vegas Golden Knights, NHL Playoffs, Game 6

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Jim
May 15, 2023 (1:11)

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The Vegas Golden Knights beat the Edmonton Oilers, 5-2.

1. The main story going into this game was Stuart Skinner. Skinner has been pulled multiple times, including Game 5. Even after letting in 4 goals in 22 shots last game and being pulled, Jay Woodcroft went back to him for Game 6 in a high risk high reward situation. Skinner had a decent showing in the first after letting up at that one goal, but it all came crashing down in the second. Three goals allowed and all three cane from the same guy: Jonathan Marchessault. Stuart was eventually pulled from the game again at the start of the 3rd for Campbell, who arguably should have started. Woodcroft said that he'd thought about starting Jack Campbell, but at the end, went back to the rookie, and it didn't pay off.
2. The 1st period was very chaotic. It had a Vegas goal, scored by Riley Smith 24 seconds in, followed with a goal by the best in the world, Connor McDavid. It also saw Edmonton dominate the Knights, with shots being 14-7 in favor of the Oilers. The Oilers also had a 2-1 lead going into the intermission. Also, there were no first period penalties for the first time all series long.
3. We saw a quick start in this game, with Riley Smith opening up the goal scoring just 24 seconds into the game. Connor McDavid, 31 seconds later, answered right back and made it a tie game. Not even two minutes later, Warren Foegle scored and put Edmonton on top. That's three goals in 2 minutes and 41 seconds.
4. The Vegas Golden Knights came off firing on all cylinders after a rough start to the game. Jonathan Marchessault scored two goals, leading the Knights to lead the game 4-2. Adin Hill looked good too, letting in zero goals even with a Edmonton power play featuring Leon Draisatl and Connor McDavid after a bad 1st period.
5. The Edmonton Oilers have been eliminated from the playoffs. Is this a disappointing season? That's really up to you to decide. I say it might be, really because of the big ceiling. Many people had the Oilers in the Western Conference Final, Stanley Cup Final, even winning it all. Unfortunately none of that will happen.