NHL: New Jersey Devils at Edmonton Oilers – Source: Imagn

Wednesday night featured a matchup between the last two representatives of the Western Conference in the 2023 and 2024 Stanley Cup Finals. And while the Edmonton Oilers welcomed captain Connor McDavid back to their lineup, they couldn’t overcome the Vegas Golden Knights.

Vegas defeated Edmonton 4-2 thanks to Noah Hanifin’s game-winner with 48 seconds left in the third period at Rogers Place in downtown Edmonton.

The Golden Knights seized the 1-0 lead in the first period thanks to Jack Eichel, who broke in alone on goaltender Stuart Skinner and beat him with a backhand-forehand deke for the game’s first tally.

However, the Oilers fought their way back into the contest thanks to Brett Kulack’s third goal of the season, tipping in a shot from Darnell Nurse. Edmonton then took a 2-1 lead after Zach Hyman netted his third goal of the season.

Despite leading midway through the third period, a trip to the penalty box proved costly for the Oilers as defenseman Noah Hanifin knotted things up with a power-play goal.

The two teams appeared headed for overtime, but Hanafin had other ideas. He broke the tie with his second goal of the game with 49 seconds remaining in regulation, delivering a gut-punch to the Oilers. Golden Knights captain Mark Stone then sealed the win by firing the puck into the open net with Skinner lifted for the extra attacker.

With the loss, the Oilers slipped to 6-7-1 through the first 14 games of the 2024-25 season.

Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill made 27 saves in the victory, while Skinner made 31 saves on the 34 shots he faced.

3 Major Takeaways from Edmonton Oilers 3-1 loss to Vegas Golden Knights

#3. Poor defensive breakdowns opened the door for Vegas

The Oilers were unable to keep Vegas from taking the lead thanks to a blown defensive assignment from Evan Bouchard, who missed Hanafin skating toward the net.

By the time Bouchard realized his mistake, it was too late. The defensive breakdown sealed their fate, putting them a game below the .500 mark.

Additionally, poor defensive communication paved the way for Eichel’s first-period breakaway goal.

#2. The penalty killing failed to come through

Edmonton’s struggling penalty-killing unit continued to do just that, surrendering the tying goal from Hanifin in the third period.

Currently, the Oilers are dead-last in the NHL in penalty-killing efficiency, a statistic that must be improved if they are to string together more consistent wins.

#1. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins continues to be a non-factor

Only two seasons removed from 104 points, Nugent-Hopkins has managed only one goal and four assists in 13 games played. He’s currently on pace to register only 32 points, which would be the second-lowest of his career.

The Oilers need far more out of him, and he’s not delivering right now.