3 most impressive Edmonton Oilers players from 5-4 Game 2 OT win over Vegas Golden Knights feat. Leon Draisaitl

The Edmonton Oilers outlasted the Vegas Golden Knights, getting a huge 5-4 win in overtime to take a 2-0 lead in their Round 2 matchup in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoff on Thursday night at T-Mobile Arena.

Leon Draisaitl got the game-winner at therefore 15:20 mark of the extra frame on a beautiful give-and-go rush with Connor McDavid. Jake Walman, Vasily Podkolzin Darnell Nurse and Evander Kane scored the other goals for the Oilers.

Meanwhile, Victor Olofsson scored twice on the power play for the Vegas Golden Knights, with William Karlsson and Alex Pietrangelo getting the other goals for the Golden Knights.

So, here’s a look at the three most impressive Edmonton Oilers players from their overtime win over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 2 of their second-round series.

Three most impressive Edmonton Oilers players from Game 2 OT win over Vegas Golden Knights

#3 Calvin Pickard

Edmonton Oilers netminder Calvin Pickard was outstanding once again. While he surrendered four goals, with two coming late in the game, he was sensational when he had to.

It’s worth pointing out that Pickard had a collision in the third, with the game 4-3. But instead of taking a breather to settle back into the game, he continued without stopping. It was shortly after that play that Vegas tied the game.

Pickard made many crucial saves in the third and in overtime to keep the Oilers in the game. He ended with 28 saves on 32 shots. Overall, Pickard continues to lead the Oilers as they look to grab a 3-0 lead on Saturday night.

#2 Connor McDavid

Connor McDavid ended the night with one assist. But that assist was a crucial one. as he set up Draisaitl’s game-winner.

But beyond that particular play, McDavid was a workhorse for the Oilers. He logged nearly 30 minutes of ice time on the night across 29 shifts, getting three shots on goal and blocking two. He struggled in the face-off circle, winning just 36.4% of the draws he took.

#1 Leon Draisaitl

Leon Draisaitl had a relatively quiet night for the Edmonton Oilers. But that quiet night included the game-winner in overtime. Draisaitl notched up just one point, in nearly 29 minutes of ice time, but was a dangerous presence throughout the game.

Overall, Draisaitl notched up four shots on goal while registering a hit and a blocked shot. Despite the Golden Knights’ best efforts to keep Draisaitl in check, it only took one play to make them pay.

McDavid made Jack Eichel look sick on the play as Alex Pietrangelo couldn't contend with both McDavid and Draisaitl. Pietrangelo opted to take McDavid’s shot away, but no one picked up Draisaitl, who streaked down the left side, burying the puck in the wide-open cage.

The Oilers have a 2-0 series lead as the series heads back to Rogers Place for Game 3 on Saturday night.

About the author

Nestor is an NHL and MLB writer at Sportskeeda with over 10 years of experience. Growing up in Toronto, he became an avid Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan, but also admires the New York Islanders and Los Angeles Dodgers for their dominance in the 80s. Holding an Economics and Education major, Nestor’s passion for writing and sporting events led him to take up reporting about the sport professionally.

Nestor credits the Leafs’ playoff runs in the early '90s as having a lasting impact on him. His favorite players are Doug Gilmour and Mike Bossy, as he feels they were tough, talented leaders, while Pat Burns is his favorite coach of all time for always preaching a fast-paced game.

Growing up in Canada, it was natural for Nestor to become interested in ice hockey and he played Minor Hockey as a teenager, which has given him a unique perspective on the sport. Nestor has mastered the art of how to best present facts and he also has a knack for knowing which sources can be trusted, and which can't for stories.

When he is not writing about Canada’s national passion, Nestor enjoys running and hiking.

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