The Golden Knights are making up for lost time after last year’s painful injury-ridden season. They are healthier, and playing on the road certainly isn’t slowing them down. Vegas is 8-1 in their last 9 road games. The Knights have the fifth rated offense and third ranked defense. It is a very balanced attack, with a solid and deep defense, plus excellent goal tending from Thompson, Saturday’s likely starter. One concern on Saturday will be their PK. The Knights’ penalty kill is only average, but up against a very fine Oilers’ PP.

Other than the power play, the Oilers have underwhelmed this year. They are 4-6 at home, and just over .500 for the season. The issues have been familiar ones; secondary scoring, goal-tending, and a leaky defense. They are getting some solid goal tending from an unlikely source. Skinner has been super sharp in his last two starts, and good more often than not this season, although his play has not necessarily translated into wins. The Oilers just lost Evander Kane to injury, throwing even more of the load onto the top two. Draisaitl and McDavid are dominant performers, but can be limited by top defense like the Canes and Knights. After those two, the Oilers are very much easier to play against.

I like Vegas’s chances on Saturday. The Knights are balanced and deep this year, outscoring the Oilers in spite of D and McD. It may be close but look for another road victory for the Golden Knights.