In a heartbreaking twist, the Edmonton Oilers gave up the game-winning goal with less than one second remaining in regulation, falling 4-3 to the Vegas Golden Knights and narrowing their series lead to 2-1.
It was a game filled with emotional highs and devastating lows. The Oilers came out flying in the first period, building a 2-0 lead off the stick of playoff veteran Corey Perry. Perry opened the scoring with a goal at 7:19, assisted by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Just a few minutes later, he added his second of the game — this time on the power play — tipping home a point shot from Evan Bouchard.
But as has been the story far too often this season, the Oilers couldn’t hold the lead. Vegas responded with a pair of quick goals from Nicolas Roy and Reilly Smith late in the first to even the score at 2-2 heading into the second period.
The Golden Knights took their first lead of the game late in the second when William Karlsson beat Stuart Skinner with a quick snap shot from the slot. Vegas’ relentless pressure and ability to capitalize on defensive lapses began to wear down Edmonton’s structure.
Still, the Oilers weren’t done. With just over three minutes to go in the third, Connor McDavid tied the game with a clutch goal, his third of the postseason. The game seemed destined for overtime, but a critical breakdown in the dying seconds cost the Oilers everything.
With under five seconds left on the clock, the Oilers failed to clear the zone, and Vegas pounced. Reilly Smith buried his second of the night with 0.7 seconds remaining, stunning the Oilers bench and sending Rogers Place into stunned silence.
This wasn’t just a loss — it was a lesson in focus, discipline, and execution. The Oilers had control of the game early, but allowed Vegas to dictate the pace as it wore on. Edmonton also took two penalties in the second period that shifted momentum back toward the Golden Knights.
Now, the Oilers must regroup and respond in Game 4. A win puts them firmly back in control. A loss evens the series and opens the door for Vegas to seize momentum — something Edmonton can’t afford this deep into their playoff journey.