Vegas Golden Knights Stun Edmonton Oilers with Last-Second Goal in Game 3

In a thrilling matchup on Saturday night, the Vegas Golden Knights secured a dramatic 4-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinal series. Reilly Smith became the hero of the night, scoring with just 0.4 seconds left on a shot that deflected off Edmonton forward Leon Draisaitl’s stick.

The Golden Knights managed to cut Edmonton’s series lead to 2-1, thanks to a late goal by Connor McDavid that tied the game at 3-3 with just over three minutes remaining. McDavid’s centering pass inadvertently went in off defender Brayden McNabb’s skate, setting the stage for Smith’s game-winning goal.

Despite an early 2-0 lead for the Oilers courtesy of Corey Perry, Vegas fought back in the first period. Nicolas Roy and Smith scored goals in quick succession, just 54 seconds apart, to level the score. William Karlsson then put the Golden Knights ahead with less than three minutes left in the second period, capitalizing on a give-and-go play with Noah Hanifin.

Adin Hill stood tall in goal for Vegas, making 17 saves to help secure the crucial victory. The stage is now set for Game 4, which will take place on Monday night in Edmonton.

The Golden Knights faced adversity early on in the game when forward Mark Stone left due to an upper-body injury. Despite this setback, Vegas continued to push forward, with Roy and Smith stepping up to deliver key goals in the first period.

Skinner, who replaced the injured Calvin Pickard in goal for the Oilers, put in a solid performance, stopping 20 shots. Pickard had been sidelined after sustaining an injury in Game 2, prompting Skinner to take over between the pipes.

The thrilling finish to Game 3 sets the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested Game 4. With both teams vying for a spot in the conference finals, the intensity is sure to ramp up as the series progresses.