It was a hard loss for the Vegas hockey world, as the pride of their city, the Vegas Golden Knights were shut-out by the Edmonton Oilers and are now down 3-1 in the Pacific division final.
The Grade A shots in the game favoured Vegas, 15-14, but the subset of the most dangerous 5-alarm shots were 6 to 3 for Edmonton. The Oilers won the game with Leon Draisaitl not scoring one point and Connor McDavid just one assist. Edmonton’s third line and roll players dominated, and its embattle goalie Stuart Skinner had a perfect game adding to fear and loathing among Los Vegas hockey fans.
Here are some of the post-game and morning after highlights out of the VGK camp:
VGK fan 🏆- Scott Knights & 🏴☠️ @Scott_Skeels
Oilers came to play a man’s game.
VGK fan Mark Noonan @Mark_E_Noonan
Meh. Honestly they came out so weak in the 1st that I gave up on them 5 minutes in.
VGK fan C.R.A.M. @mundyc3
One of the most depressing games. Just came in flat as a pancake.
Co-host Locked on Vegas podcast Chris Gawlik @TDChrisG
Oof. Vegas fans have some venom tonight. I get it. Emotions are high. One game away from hitting the links. Enjoy the ride, regardless of when it may end. Sports are fun, and three game winning streaks have happened before.
It’s an emotional time for VGK fans, especially just moments after the loss that puts them facing elimination. Give VGK fans a moment to breathe.
Vegas Hockey Now writer Hannah Kirkell
All season, the Golden Knights have boasted a top-tier power play. They gained momentum more times than not, regardless of if they scored. For the past two games, that power play failed to make an impact in must-win situations. The Golden Knights are zero for their last five; in Game 4, they registered just two shots on three power play opportunities.
Looking back, the writing was on the wall for the Golden Knights in the Minnesota series. Everything that made them successful during the regular season– the strong net-front presence, the ability to take care of the puck, the forecheck– went out the window. Against the Oilers, the final two dominoes tumbled: they lost their depth scoring, and their power play became ineffective.
Tony Cordasco, host Locked on Vegas podcast
VGK was just beaten to a pulp, to be honest with you. Very tired, very fatigued. And Edmonton sets the tone early in Game #4, and that pace was just too fast for VGK early on. This is a team — I think and I said it before — that is much too fast for VGK.
Hockey commentator Ken Boehlke SinBin.vegas @SinBinVegas
Brayden McNabb was a +42 in the regular season. He is now a -6 in 10 playoff games.
SinBin.vegas @SinBinVegas
“Power play let us down in the 1st period. Could have gotten us back into the game.” -Cassidy
VGK fan Jim Halvorson @sclabuji
Painful, and even worse when EDM has 3 chances to close this out.
VGK fan People Heppin’ People @People_Heppin_
Getting summarily dismantled isn’t the most fun.
VGK fan It’s Over. Go Get Marner, Kelly. @jefflanejr
I can’t wait to hear the “we believe we can still win this series” bullsh*t coming from the locker room postgame. There are simply no answers for this matchup this time around…. The most shocking part of this series is McDrai isn’t beating us…
Co-host Locked on Vegas podcast Chris Gawlik @TDChrisG
Adin Hill, he was his own worst enemy in that game…Definitely Evander Kane and company were inside Adin Hill’s head. He’s out there trying to start fights, beating people with his blocker, and Stuart Skinner just sitting back eating some popcorn, watching the shows.
Out coached
Out goalied
Out played
Out hustled
Out hearted
I’m out of outs, and VGK has entered cliché-ville. All starts with a W on Wednesday. Time to dig deep.
VGK fan Y-VGK Outsider @VGK_Outsider_
With Vegas 3-1 down, their season is practically over… The truth is, Edmonton has been far better. In net, in depth and even an edge in star power. This is a tough exit and perhaps a rude awakening for VGK.
Hall of Fame NHL d-man Chris Pronger @chrispronger
Oooofff Vegas with a dud at the worst possible time. They need more production from the bottom 6 to keep up with EDM. Typically the stars cancel each other out. In years past this is where Vegas has excelled. Not this series. Down 3-1 can they find it? Gut check time
VGK fan Jackson Kruger @JacksonRKruger
Are we seeing the final playoff games with Bruce Cassidy as head coach of the Golden Knights…?
VGK fan J △⃒⃘ Rod 🇺🇸 @TheOneJRod
“Part of our team identity”…???
Ummm…WHAT IDENTITY?!
Hill looks absolutely lost and disconnected. His complacency throughout this series is mind blowing…and he didn’t look great last series either.
This team looked awful tonight. Absolutely zero offense. Sloppy. Disoriented. Weak. This team looked totally heartless tonight. We don’t deserve to win this series playing like this.
VGK fan Michael Alosco @realmikealosco
Couple of observations: 1) came out asleep falling behind after a minute? No excuse for that. VGK acted as if they won the series last game.
2) Hill has been atrocious.
3) A bunch of players have performed below their standards. Hertl, Hanifan, McNabb, Barabashev, Howden stink!
VGK fan mj ELLS @EllsMj73971
I like Cassidy and I’ve defended him. This is the first time I can honestly say I miss Pete DeBoer behind the bench. No way he pairs the 3 worst defensive forwards by a mile, on the same line. This team, for however many games are left, needs to get back to prioritizing DEFENSE
Tony Cordasco @TonyDasco
VGK fans gonna all sell their Game 5 tickets. Some of you are saying the season is over. Great support
VGK fan Rebel @Rebel_Net
Have a feeling they’ll be the cheapest home playoff tickets ever. Losing is one thing. Being emasculated is another. They’re being straight up bullied and showing zero pride. I don’t think they can flip a switch and find their sack.
VGK fan BlueTeamBad🏆 @GoldTeamBad
All the regulars I know including myself are going. The ones selling are the fake fans.