Backs against the wall, the Golden Knights and Oilers showed exactly why they’ve been frequent fliers past the first round — and why the Minnesota Wild and Los Angeles Kings were first-round fodder once again.

Edmonton Oilers (48-29-5, in the Pacific Division) vs. Vegas Golden Knights (50-22-10, in the Pacific Division)

Connor McDavid said he believes the Edmonton Oilers are better equipped to face the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Second Round than they were two seasons ago. The six-game loss to Vegas in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs stung the Oilers and their captain,