Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers are advancing to the Western Conference finals of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. That’s after their five-game dismantling of the Vegas Golden Knights in the second round.
The Oilers finished the job in Game 5 on Wednesday night in enemy territory, and they did so in thrilling fashion. After three scoreless periods in the contest, Kasperi Kapanen found the back of the net in overtime to send the Oilers to the next round and the Golden Knights to an early vacation.
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After the game, the Oilers and the Golden Knights lined up for the customary handshake line, with McDavid and Vegas star Jack Eichel sharing a moment as well. A photo of the two was shared by the NHL via its official X account, sparking plenty of reactions from the fans.
“Top picks, top class—respect on full display,” said a fan on X.
Another one said: “Eichel shined tonight, McDavid shined last night. They’re always a treat to watch”
From a commenter: “Legends”
“Buffalo in shambles,” a social media user posted.
Via a different commenter: “Greatest tradition in all of sports 🤝”
Said another: “1 Cup. Guess who?”
Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
The photo is also noteworthy because it features the top two picks in the 2015 NHL draft a decade later. McDavid was taken first overall by the Oilers, while Eichel was selected right after by the Buffalo Sabres.
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Although Eichel ended up losing in this battle between the top two picks of that draft, he has at least already won a Stanley Cup title, as he helped the Golden Knights win it all in 2023.
As for McDavid, he is still in pursuit of the Cup, which he and the Oilers came close to winning in 2024, when they lost in seven games in the Stanley Cup Finals to the Florida Panthers.
Related: Connor McDavid’s Wife Posts Bikini Selfie Before Oilers-Golden Knights Game 5