Edmonton Oilers

Who Is the Bigger Cup Contender: Oilers or Golden Knights?

Both the Edmonton Oilers and the Vegas Golden Knights are solid teams. Are the Oilers or the Golden Knights the biggest cup contender?

by
Old Prof
November 7, 2024

In a tight game, the Vegas Golden Knights emerged victorious with a 4-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers, despite the Oilers’ strong 59-minute effort from the team and the return of their star, Connor McDavid. Vegas was ahead, went behind, and then rallied to secure the win. The Golden Knights were led by Noah Hanifin, who scored twice in the third period, including a decisive goal with just 48.4 seconds left.

Jack Eichel also had a standout night for Vegas, scoring a goal and adding two assists. Goalie Adin Hill‘s 27 saves proved crucial in staving off Edmonton’s offense. William Karlsson extended his point streak with an assist on Vegas’s second goal, showcasing the Golden Knights’ depth and solid teamwork.

On the Oilers’ side of the ledger, Brett Kulak and Zach Hyman each scored, and Stuart Skinner made 31 saves to keep Edmonton in the game. Hyman continued his hot streak, finding the net for his third goal in four games and building on his recent success against Vegas. Meanwhile, McDavid’s early return from an ankle injury added a spark for Edmonton. Although he was held without a point, snapping his six-game point streak against the Golden Knights, he came to play.

Which Team (Oilers or Golden Knights) Should Be a Stanley Cup Favorite?

Both teams showed why they are considered Stanley Cup contenders. They both played a fast-paced game that highlighted their skill and competitive fire. The battle for the West is heating up. Indeed, these two teams—Edmonton Oilers or Vegas Golden Knights—have shots to win the Stanley Cup. The question is, which team has the better shot?

Last night, the hockey panel discussed each contender’s unique strengths between the game’s periods. Here’s a breakdown of why each team has supporters who claim this could be their year.

Edmonton Oilers: “It’s Their Time”

Oilers fans are hopeful that after years of near-misses, the team is finally ready for another deep playoff push. With a core of elite talent, the Oilers seem poised for greatness. Here are three reasons the panel supported the Oilers as a solid contender.

First, the Oilers have top-tier talent. Edmonton’s dynamic duo, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, are game-changers. Their offensive prowess keeps Edmonton at the top of the league in scoring, and each can single-handedly take over games.

Connor McDavid returned from injury for the Oilers vs the Golden Knights

Second, the Oilers have successful playoff experience. After last season’s deep run, Edmonton’s key players have gained valuable playoff experience. The team knows what’s required to compete at a championship level, and this hunger to go further is palpable.

Third, the Oilers have timing and momentum. As the panel noted, it feels like Edmonton’s “time.” The stars seem aligned, and the Oilers’ combination of skill and determination gives fans the confidence that this could be their season to break through.

Vegas Golden Knights: “Built for the Playoffs”

Recent Stanley Cup champions, the Vegas Golden Knights, bring a strong case of their own. They’ve proven they can win when it matters most, and fans are confident they’re primed to defend their title. Here are three reasons to support Vegas as a postseason contender.

First, the Golden Knights have depth down the middle. Centers like Jack Eichel, William Karlsson, and Nicolas Roy give Vegas enviable depth down the middle. This strength in matchups becomes critical in the postseason grind, where endurance and versatility are essential.

Second, the Golden Knights have defensive strength. The team is known for its towering and physical defensemen and boasts one of the league’s toughest defensive cores. This blue-line depth stifles opponents and has been pivotal to their success in high-stakes games.

Third, Vegas has perfected a winning formula. As a recent champion, the Golden Knights have a balanced lineup and invaluable playoff experience. They understand the postseason grind, and this mental edge could make all the difference as they aim for back-to-back titles.

The Bottom Line: Do the Oilers or the Golden Knights Have the Edge?

The Oilers and Golden Knights each offer solid arguments for their postseason success. The Oilers are riding a wave of momentum, and the Golden Knights carry a proven playoff resume. Ultimately, the West’s top contender may come down to who can best handle the pressure and grind of the postseason.