Oilers beat Golden Knights 3-2, but Vegas clinches playoff spot

Vegas Golden Knights center Nicolas Roy, second from right, celebrates after scoring against the Edmonton Oilers during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Las Vegas. Photo by: John Locher / Associated Press

Leon Draisaitl added to his NHL-leading goal total by scoring on a 5-on-3 power play to put the Edmonton Oilers ahead for good Tuesday night, but the Vegas Golden Knights clinched a playoff berth despite the 3-2 loss.

The Golden Knights, who had their season-high six-game winning streak snapped, were assured a playoff spot when the Calgary Flames were beaten 3-1 by the Utah Hockey Club.

Edmonton kept its slim hopes alive for the Pacific Division title, pulling to within seven points of the first-place Golden Knights. Both teams have eight games left.

Draisaitl's goal was his 52nd this season and 399th of his career, drawing “MVP” chants from Edmonton fans. Jake Walman and Viktor Arvidsson also scored for the Oilers, Evan Bouchard had two assists and Calvin Pickard stopped 20 shots.

Pavel Dorofeyev and Nicolas Roy each scored for the Golden Knights. Dorofeyev's goal gave him a team-leading 32. Adin Hill made 17 saves. Jack Eichel's six-game point streak (six goals, seven assists) ended.