Vegas Golden Knights celebrate after winning against the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3 of the NHL playoff series in Edmonton, Alberta, on May 10, 2025. Photo by: Jason Franson / The Canadian Press via AP
Published: Saturday, May 10, 2025 | 9:32 p.m.
Vegas Golden Knights Secure Dramatic Win Over Edmonton Oilers
Game Overview
EDMONTON, Alberta — In a breathtaking finish, Reilly Smith scored a last-second goal, sealing a 4-3 victory for the Vegas Golden Knights against the Edmonton Oilers during Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinal. This thrilling match took place on Saturday night, narrowing Edmonton’s series lead to 2-1.
Key Moments
- Last-Minute Heroics: Smith’s decisive shot found the net with just 0.4 seconds remaining, ricocheting off Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl’s stick.
- Late Game Tensions: Edmonton’s star Connor McDavid equalized the score with 3:02 left, benefitting from a centering pass that slipped in off defender Brayden McNabb’s skate.
- Initial Momentum: The Oilers initially surged ahead 2-0, with Corey Perry scoring twice before the Golden Knights responded.
- Strong Comeback: Nicolas Roy and Smith netted back-to-back goals within 54 seconds late in the first period, leveling the game at 2-2.
- Mid-Game Shift: William Karlsson put Vegas ahead 3-2 with 2:55 left in the second period, executing a precise give-and-go with Noah Hanifin.
Goalkeeping and Injuries
Adin Hill delivered a solid performance, making 17 saves for the Golden Knights. In contrast, Edmonton’s goalie, Stuart Skinner, stopped 20 shots but faced challenges as he stepped in for the injured Calvin Pickard, who had struggled with leg discomfort following Game 2.
Game Context
The Golden Knights had to rally after losing forward Mark Stone, who exited the game due to an upper-body injury. Despite this setback, the team’s resilience proved crucial in a nail-biting match that sets the stage for Game 4, scheduled for Monday night in Edmonton.
Looking Ahead
As the series continues, the Golden Knights will aim to maintain their momentum while the Oilers will look for a rebound performance to reclaim their 2-1 series advantage.
For more details, follow the ongoing coverage of the NHL playoffs.