The Vegas Golden Knights (16-6-10) travel to face the Edmonton Oilers (17-13-6) in a Pacific Division showdown that could impact the playoff picture, with both teams vying for positioning in the competitive West. Vegas aims to rebound from a recent road loss, while Edmonton looks to capitalize on home ice after a mixed stretch. This marks the first meeting of the season between the two rivals, featuring star power like Connor McDavid against Vegas’s balanced attack, potentially leading to a high-scoring affair given their offensive capabilities.
Venue Location
The game will be held at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Opened in 2016, this state-of-the-art arena has a seating capacity of 18,347 for hockey and is known for its modern design, including the largest scoreboard in the NHL and premium amenities like the Oilers Hall of Fame. It’s situated in the Ice District and provides a raucous home atmosphere for the Oilers.
Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. MT local time). The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, with local options including Sportsnet for Oilers coverage and AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain for Golden Knights fans. Streaming is available via ESPN+ and NHL.tv, while radio listeners can tune into the Oilers Radio Network or SiriusXM.
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with notable absences, particularly in key positions, which could influence goaltending and defensive matchups.
Vegas Golden Knights Injuries:
Shea Theodore (D): Week-to-week with an upper-body injury sustained on December 13; he’s a major loss for the blue line, leading Vegas defensemen with 20 points (4 goals, 16 assists).
Jack Eichel (C): Out with an illness since December 18; expected return around December 23. His absence impacts the top line’s scoring and faceoff prowess.
No other significant injuries reported, but the team has recalled depth players to fill gaps.
Edmonton Oilers Injuries:
Tristan Jarry (G): On injured reserve with a lower-body injury from December 18; expected out at least a week, leading to Connor Ingram being recalled as backup to Stuart Skinner.
Alec Regula (D): Day-to-day with an illness; status uncertain for the game.
Connor Clattenburg (C): On injured reserve with an eye injury; no immediate return timeline.
Jack Roslovic (C): Recently activated from long-term injured reserve after missing 11 games with an undisclosed injury; expected to return tonight, boosting forward depth.
The Oilers’ goaltending depth is tested, but Roslovic’s return adds offensive options.
Player Matchups to Watch
This matchup showcases elite talent on both sides, with offensive stars facing defensive challenges in a potential goalie duel.
Connor McDavid (EDM) vs. Alex Pietrangelo (VGK): McDavid’s speed and playmaking (league-leading points) will test Pietrangelo’s veteran shutdown ability on Vegas’s top pair.
Leon Draisaitl (EDM) vs. Noah Hanifin (VGK): Draisaitl’s scoring touch (recent point streak) clashes with Hanifin’s mobility and blocking in the slot.
Evan Bouchard (EDM) vs. Vegas’ Penalty Kill: Bouchard’s offensive output from the blue line (assist prop highlighted) targets Vegas’s strong PK unit (top-10 league-wide).
Stuart Skinner (EDM, G) vs. Adin Hill (VGK, G): Skinner steps up with Jarry out, facing Hill, who’s been solid in recent starts; expect high shot volumes.
Pavel Dorofeyev (VGK) vs. Edmonton’s Top Line: Dorofeyev’s emerging role on the wing could exploit mismatches against McDavid’s line for counterattacks.
Special teams may decide the outcome, with Edmonton’s power play (led by McDavid) facing Vegas’s disciplined defense.
Team Records
Vegas Golden Knights: 16-6-10 (42 points), leading the Pacific Division.
Edmonton Oilers: 17-13-6 (40 points), third in the Pacific Division.
Recent Team Forms
Vegas has been strong overall but stumbled recently, while Edmonton shows inconsistency but home strength.
Vegas Golden Knights (Last 5 Games): The Golden Knights are 3-1-1 in their last five, averaging 3.2 goals scored and 2.8 allowed, but coming off a regulation loss. Form: L-W-W-W-OTL. Their road form remains solid, with goaltending key during the streak.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 20 | @ Calgary | L 3-6 |
| Dec 17 | vs. New Jersey | L 1-2 |
| Dec 14 | vs. Columbus | W 3-2 |
| Dec 12 | @ Philadelphia | W |
| Dec 10 | vs. Opponent | W |
Edmonton Oilers (Last 5 Games): The Oilers are 2-3-0 in their last five, averaging 2.6 goals scored and 3.4 allowed, with defensive lapses in losses. Form: L-W-L-W-L. Home games have provided wins, but road struggles persist.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 20 | @ Minnesota | L 2-5 |
| Dec 18 | vs. Boston | W 3-1 |
| Dec 16 | @ Opponent | L |
| Dec 13 | vs. Opponent | W |
| Dec 11 | @ Opponent | L |
Series History
The all-time series favors Edmonton slightly, with the Oilers holding a 21-16 edge in 37 meetings (including playoffs). Edmonton has a 15-9-2 regular-season record against Vegas (62.5% win rate), with a current two-game winning streak. At Rogers Place, the Oilers are 10-8 against the Golden Knights. Recent trends show Edmonton dominating, going 6-1 in the last seven encounters, often with under totals (4 of last 6 under). Goal differential: Edmonton +10 overall.
Betting Trends
Vegas is 1-6 straight up in their last seven against Edmonton and 2-4 in their last six road games. The under has hit in four of Vegas’s last six road contests and in four of the last six series meetings. Edmonton is 13-11 as moneyline favorites this season and has covered the spread in 55% of home games. The over has cashed in 60% of Oilers home games with totals over 6.
Game Odds
Vegas Golden Knights 6.5
Edmonton Oilers – 135
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, December 20, 2025
