“We're very high among NHL teams”: Head coach Kris Knoblauch on Edmonton Oilers seizing rare early series advantage in Game 1 victory

In an impressive comeback, the Edmonton Oilers overcame a 2-1 deficit entering the final frame. Their third-period dominance—a hallmark of their postseason—was on full display again, as the Edmonton Oilers outscored Vegas 3-0 in the final 20 minutes. The Oilers now have an opportunity to go up 2-0 when the series continues Thursday in Las Vegas. Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman played incredible games, as this victory was only the third such instance in six consecutive playoff series that the Oilers began a series with a win. Head coach Kris Knoblauch attributed his veteran team for their calmness under pressure, saying, “That's part of having a mature, older group. I don't know where we rank in playoff games. I would assume we're very high among the NHL teams. I know we are the oldest team, so both players have seen a lot and a lot of good things, a lot of bad things. They know that during the playoffs, things fluctuate. There's a lot things that can stress out the team. No matter what happens, I think we handle it really well.”Kris Knoblauch, a former player, had previously served as the American Hockey League's Hartford Wolf Pack's head coach. The Oilers made it to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2024 under Knoblauch's coaching. On November 12, 2023, Knoblauch was hired as head coach of Edmonton Oilers, who had just sacked Jay Woodcroft. Leon Draisaitl ignited the Edmonton Oilers' third-period charge just 57 seconds after the puck drop, tying the game after the team had outshot the Vegas Golden Knights 12-1 in the second period without scoring. Zach Hyman then scored the go-ahead goal with less than three minutes to play, completing a slick rush that started with a defensive zone pass by John Klingberg. Connor Brown added insurance 76 seconds after that with a breakaway goal to close out the victory. Zach Hyman underscored the momentum swing this Game 1 victory gives, saying, “It gives you a great opportunity. You steal one in their rink, and now you have a chance to take both. We haven't been in that spot a lot.” Goaltender Calvin Pickard kept up his excellent playoff performance with 15 saves, going to 5-0 in the playoffs—an Edmonton Oilers netminder feat not accomplished since Grant Fuhr in 1985, according to Sportsnet Stats. Pickard also played a big part in a pivotal third-period penalty kill, stopping Thomas Hertl on a nasty doorstep stop just as a penalty to Brown was expiring. Along the blue line, John Klingberg's presence could be felt. The 32-year-old defenseman, who spent last season recuperating from double hip surgery, was complimented by teammates as having a tremendous puck-moving skill and smooth stroke. Pickard referred to him as “a big reason we didn't give up a ton,” pointing to how Klingberg's efficiency at keeping Vegas short on offensive time in the zone. Also read: Edmonton Oilers vs. Vegas Golden Knights 2025 playoff series: Game dates, where to watch and streaming detailsWith Game 2 looming, the Edmonton Oilers have a chance to take full control of the series—something they’ve rarely managed early in the postseason. If they continue their trend of strong finishes, Vegas will have to find new ways to disrupt a team that thrives when the pressure mounts.