Golden Knights Brace for Potential Oilers Clash in 2026 NHL Playoffs

Vegas faces tough path to Stanley Cup with division rival Edmonton looming large

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:52pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers, with the players and rink broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color.The Golden Knights face a daunting path to the Stanley Cup, with a potential second-round clash against the high-powered Oilers looming large.Anaheim Today

The Vegas Golden Knights have turned their season around under new coach John Tortorella, but they may face a daunting first-round matchup against the high-powered Edmonton Oilers if the standings hold. While the Golden Knights could handle the Anaheim Ducks in the opening round, a second-round showdown with Connor McDavid and the Oilers would be an uphill climb, as Edmonton has dominated Vegas in recent meetings.

Why it matters

The Golden Knights' playoff seeding and potential matchups could make or break their Stanley Cup aspirations this season. Avoiding the Oilers in the early rounds would give Vegas a much clearer path to advancing, but Edmonton's recent dominance over the Golden Knights raises serious concerns about their ability to overcome the league's top team.

The details

The Golden Knights have responded well to Tortorella's tough coaching style, winning three straight games to climb within one point of the division-leading Oilers and Ducks. However, Vegas' goaltending has been a major issue all season, and they will need Carter Hart to continue his strong play to have a chance against elite offenses like Edmonton's. If the standings hold, the Golden Knights would face the Ducks in the first round, a matchup they would be favored to win. But a potential second-round clash with the Oilers, who have eliminated Vegas in the playoffs in recent years, would present a daunting challenge.

  • The Golden Knights have won three straight games since Tortorella took over as head coach.
  • There are five games remaining in the regular season, with the Oilers and Ducks currently tied for first place in the Pacific Division.
  • The 2026 NHL Playoffs are scheduled to begin in mid-April.

The players

John Tortorella

The new head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights, known for his disciplinarian approach and ability to motivate underperforming teams.

Connor McDavid

The superstar center for the Edmonton Oilers, widely considered the best player in the NHL.

Leon Draisaitl

The Oilers' star forward, who is expected to return from a lower-body injury in time for the playoffs.

Jack Eichel

The Golden Knights' leading scorer, who will need to elevate his game if Vegas hopes to upset the Oilers in the playoffs.

Carter Hart

The Golden Knights' goaltender, who has shown signs of improvement but will be tested against elite offenses like Edmonton's.

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What they’re saying

“Even if the Golden Knights can avoid the Oilers in the first round, it seems quite likely that the two teams will catch up with each other in the second round.”

— Steve Silverman, Author

“Vegas would have home ice in that series, but it might not be enough to earn a victory in that series.”

— Steve Silverman, Author

What’s next

With five games remaining in the regular season, the Golden Knights will be closely monitoring the standings to see if they can avoid a first-round matchup with the Oilers. If the Ducks can hold onto first place in the Pacific Division, that would be the preferred path for Vegas in the playoffs.

The takeaway

The Golden Knights' path to the Stanley Cup will likely run through the Edmonton Oilers, a team that has dominated them in recent years. Overcoming McDavid, Draisaitl, and the high-powered Oilers offense will be a massive challenge for Vegas, even if they can get past the Ducks in the opening round.