As the Edmonton Oilers approach the end of the 2025-26 regular season, they are battling for a top spot within the Pacific Division standings. That is why when they face a team within their division, like the Vegas Golden Knights, winning is important.
RIght on their heels, the Oilers are only eight points away from being sitting on the outside of the playoff picture, showing the volatility of their standings position. The pressure is on and the team certainly feels it.
Following the high of a club's season-best five game winning streak, the Oilers put up what looks like a doozy, falling 5-1 against division rival, the Vegas Golden Knights. However, there are some positives to take away from the game, including the fact that a baby was being born at Rogers Place during the match.
A baby is currently being born at Rogers Place… in the middle of the Oilers game 👶 pic.twitter.com/02Tcg1GN2d
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 5, 2026
Evan Bouchard inches closer to Norris Trophy
Oilers top pair defenceman Evan Bouchard scored the team's lone goal in their Saturday night loss against the Golden Knights. He scored his 21st goal of the season, putting him up to 88 points through 77 games this year.
This means that Bouchard only needs 12 points in the final five games in order to reach the century mark. If he can hit this feat, it will be a cool milestone but would also give him an even better argument at his pursuit of the Norris Trophy as the league's top defenceman of the year.
Oilers fourth line was on fire
Although an unremarkable part of any NHL club's lineup, the fourth line can at times be unsung heroes. When properly compiled, it can create a major advantage that tips the scales for their team and for the Oilers, their fourth line came out strong.
The trio of Max Jones, Adam Henrique, and Curtis Lazar were able to generate plenty of quality chances in this game. According to moneypuck.com, the Oilers fourth line generated 0.442 expected goals for and 0.054 expected goals against. As well, they outshot their opponents 16 to five. They were the Oilers best line according to the underlying numbers in this game.
Excuses or reasons?
Although many people see it as an excuse, it cannot be ignored that the Oilers are also currently without star Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman, two very important pieces to their top-six. It should not sink your season but sometimes the big injury losses can hurt on a night-to-night basis.
The losses of these two can also help explain the special teams issues as the Golden Knights capitalized on one of their two powerplays while the Oilers were 0-3 on the man advantage.
Looking ahead, the Oilers kickoff a three game road trip as they face the Utah Mammoth on Tuesday, April 7th.