The Vegas Golden Knights could clinch a playoff spot tonight if they can beat the Edmonton Oilers tonight.
Despite not playing on Monday, the Golden Knights could have clinched their seventh playoff berth in eight years. If the Calgary Flames lost in regulation to the Colorado Avalanche the Golden Knights would have earned a spot in the postseason, but a two-goal comeback in the third and a shootout win put a halt on those celebrations.
The Golden Knights now have the opportunity to control their fate and with a win over the Oilers, they'll bring themselves a step closer to locking up their desired regular season achievements.
If the Golden Knights lose in regulation and the Flames also lose in regulation to Utah HC, the Golden Knights will clinch a playoff spot.
The Oilers are attempting to hunt down the Golden Knights for the Pacific Division lead, but a six-game win streak by the Golden Knights has created some much-needed separation.
The Oilers remain without Connor McDavid but recently reinstated Leon Draisaitl back into their lineup. In his return on Saturday, Drasaitl recorded two goals and three points, picking up points on all three goals and scoring the overtime winner.
Slowing him down will be a difficult task but it's a matchup that Jack Eichel seems to relish in. His game elevates whenever he's matched up against another superstar and his history against the Oilers is quite good. In 19 games against the Oilers, the 28-year-old has scored eight goals and 21 points.
The Oilers are ravaged by injuries at the moment, currently without McDavid, Mattias Ekholm, Stuart Skinner, Trent Frederic and Evander Kane, but the Golden Knights too are dealing with several injuries. They'll be without Tomas Hertl, Ilya Samsonov and likely Alex Pietrangelo.
It's a vital game for the Golden Knights as they continue to gear up for the playoffs.
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