Knights, Oilers Face Off in Key Pacific Division Matchup

Vegas looks to regain division lead against Edmonton in Sunday night clash

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Vegas Golden Knights will host the Edmonton Oilers in a key Pacific Division matchup on Sunday night. Vegas had held at least a share of the division lead since January 3rd, but dropped behind the Anaheim Ducks after a 4-2 loss to Minnesota on Friday. Edmonton is currently third in the division, four points behind Vegas, and is looking to solidify its playoff positioning.

Why it matters

This game is crucial for both teams as they battle for positioning in the tight Pacific Division race. The Golden Knights are looking to bounce back after a recent slump, while the Oilers are trying to avoid falling out of the playoff picture entirely.

The details

The Golden Knights fell behind 3-0 against Minnesota before a late rally fell short. Vegas has now lost four of its last five games, with the team struggling to overcome early deficits. Meanwhile, the Oilers have also been struggling defensively, allowing 22 goals in their last five games. Edmonton is hoping to tighten up its play in its own end to support star players like Connor McDavid.

  • The Golden Knights and Oilers first met on December 21, with Edmonton winning 4-3.
  • Vegas last played on Friday, March 8, losing 4-2 to Minnesota.
  • Edmonton last played on Friday, March 8, losing 6-3 to Carolina.

The players

Bruce Cassidy

Head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights.

Jack Eichel

Star forward for the Vegas Golden Knights who recently returned from the Olympics.

Pavel Dorofeyev

Golden Knights forward who has scored 30 goals in consecutive seasons.

Kris Knoblauch

Head coach of the Edmonton Oilers.

Connor McDavid

Superstar forward for the Edmonton Oilers.

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What they’re saying

“We get behind, we have a bad stretch, and one (goal) becomes two becomes three. We should be better than that.”

— Bruce Cassidy, Head coach, Vegas Golden Knights (statenews.net)

“Obviously, we need to find it and put together wins. We've only got (19) games left, and we're on the brink of not making the playoffs. We can't wait to find our game in the playoffs because we need to ultimately get there. We need to find another gear.”

— Kris Knoblauch, Head coach, Edmonton Oilers (statenews.net)

What’s next

The Golden Knights and Oilers will meet again on March 21 and April 6 to complete their four-game regular season series.

The takeaway

This matchup between two of the top teams in the Pacific Division could have major playoff implications, as both squads look to solidify their postseason positioning down the stretch.