LAS VEGAS — In a riveting matchup at T-Mobile Arena on Tuesday, the Vegas Golden Knights delivered a stellar performance to end the Edmonton Oilers’ impressive 16-game winning streak with a 3-1 victory. The Oilers, on the brink of tying the NHL record for consecutive wins, fell just short of the 1992-93 Pittsburgh Penguins’ landmark of 17 straight victories.
Goalie Adin Hill was pivotal for the Golden Knights, stopping 30 shots and earning high praise from Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy for his critical role in the win. “He was really good tonight,” Cassidy said. “We don’t win the game without his performance.”
The Golden Knights, bolstered by Chandler Stephenson’s goal and assist in the third period, showcased their depth and resilience. William Karlsson’s empty-net goal sealed the win for Vegas (30-15-6), which has now won six of its last eight games. Nicolas Roy also contributed with a tying goal in the first period, highlighting the team’s collective effort to overcome the Oilers’ momentum.
Despite Connor McDavid’s early goal giving Edmonton a lead with a short-handed breakaway, the Oilers (29-16-1) were unable to sustain their offensive pressure against a determined Vegas defense. Stuart Skinner, in net for Edmonton, made 23 saves, but it wasn’t enough to extend the Oilers’ remarkable win streak.
Reflecting on the streak’s end, McDavid emphasized the positive aspects of their run, acknowledging the combination of skill and fortune that contributed to their success. “Winning 16 straight, you have to have things go well and you have to get some bounces,” McDavid said. “Tonight, we didn’t go out and get it. Credit to them, they make a shot and they’re able to clog it up enough to get it done.”
The Oilers’ coach Kris Knoblauch pointed to missed opportunities and pivotal moments, such as Roy’s late first-period goal and Vegas’ ability to capitalize on their chances, as key factors in the outcome. Despite the loss, he recognized the Oilers’ strong performance and the challenging nature of maintaining such a lengthy win streak.
This matchup not only marked a significant moment in the 2022-2023 NHL season but also showcased the high level of competition between two of the league’s top teams. As both teams look ahead, the Golden Knights will aim to build on this victory, while the Oilers will seek to regroup and continue their pursuit of success in the remainder of the season.
