3 underperforming Edmonton Oilers players who need to step up in Round 2 matchup vs Golden Knights feat. Darnell Nurse

The Edmonton Oilers sealed their first-round victory over the LA Kings with a heartstopping 5-4 win in Game 6 on Thursday night at Rogers Place.

The Oilers survived a late onslaught from the LA Kings to secure their fourth-straight series victory over their Pacific Division rivals.

The Oilers will face the Vegas Golden Knights in the second round.

Here are three Edmonton players who will need to step up in Round 2.

3 underperforming Edmonton Oilers players who need to step up in Round 2

#1 Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will need to drive the Oilers' secondary scoring in Round 2 - Source: Imagn

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins notched a goal and an assist in Game 6 against the Kings. However, the former No. 1 pick didn’t have a very impactful series.

While he ended the series with three goals and two assists, Nugent-Hopkins will need to step up as the Golden Knights look to shut down Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

#2 Trent Frederic

Trent Frederic came over at the trade deadline from the Boston Bruins with hopes of adding skill and toughness to the Edmonton Oilers lineup.

Frederic wasn’t bad in the series against the Kings. He played a tough, physical game, predominantly patrolling the third line with Adam Henrique and Connor Brown. The Oilers will expect more offense from Frederic, with the bottom six expected to play a key role against the Golden Knights.

It’s worth noting that Frederic scored a goal and added an assist in Game 6 against the Kings. So, that’s something he’ll be looking to build on in Round 2.

#3 Darnell Nurse

Darnell Nurse must step up to help Edmonton get past the Golden Knights - Source: Imagn

Darnell Nurse finally found his scoring touch in Game 6, notching a goal and an assist. The offensive outburst was more than welcome as Nurse had failed to register on the scoresheet in the Edmonton Oilers’ first five games of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Moving forward, the Oilers will count on his solid offensive contributions and steady defense. The Oilers fell behind 2-0 against the Kings and cannot afford such a slow start against the Golden Knights.

If Nurse can continue playing as he did in Game 6 against Los Angeles, the Oilers will have two solid blue liners, along with Evan Bouchard, driving the offense from the back end.

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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Edited by Nestor Quixtan