Oilers headed to Western Conference final after beating Golden Knights 1-0 in OT

The Edmonton Oilers secured their spot in the Western Conference final for the second consecutive year with a thrilling 1-0 overtime victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5 on Wednesday night. Kasperi Kapanen was the hero for the Oilers, scoring on a scramble in front of the net at 7:14 of the extra period to send Edmonton to the next round.

The Oilers, who fell just short in the Stanley Cup Final last season, will now await the winner of the series between the Dallas Stars and the Winnipeg Jets. The Stars currently hold a 3-1 series lead and will have the chance to close it out in Game 5.

Goalie Stuart Skinner once again stood tall for the Oilers, recording his second consecutive shutout in the series. Skinner, who took over the starting role after Calvin Pickard’s injury, made 24 saves in Game 5 and received chants of “Stu! Stu!” from the home crowd. Adin Hill put up a strong performance in net for Vegas, making 29 saves in a losing effort.

The game was a defensive battle from start to finish, with both teams struggling to generate quality scoring chances. The Golden Knights played without captain Mark Stone, who was dealing with an upper-body injury. Despite his absence, Vegas managed to keep the game scoreless through regulation.

In the third period, both teams had opportunities to break the deadlock. Brett Howden missed a golden chance for Vegas, while Leon Draisaitl failed to convert on a breakaway for the Oilers. Connor McDavid also had a prime chance to end the game in regulation but was denied by Hill.

Ultimately, it was Kapanen who delivered the decisive blow in overtime, propelling the Oilers to victory and a spot in the conference final. The win marked Edmonton’s first 1-0 overtime playoff victory since 1997, while Vegas continues to search for their first postseason win by that score in OT.

With their sights set on a return trip to the Stanley Cup Final, the Oilers will now rest and prepare for their upcoming matchup against either the Stars or the Jets. Fans can expect another thrilling series as Edmonton looks to continue their quest for hockey’s ultimate prize.