LAS VEGAS — The Golden Knights focused their efforts two years ago on limiting Oilers stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, a successful strategy that gave Vegas the series victory and helped put it on the path to winning the Stanley Cup.
The teams meet again in the second round of the NHL playoffs, probably beginning Monday or Tuesday, and McDavid and Draisaitl once more have the Golden Knights' attention.
But Vegas is also concerned about the rest of Edmonton's lineup, which is noticeably deeper than when they met in 2023.
''We were just talking today how they seem to run four lines more than they have in the past,'' Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore said Saturday. ''I think their depth is definitely better, and that's going to have to be something we're going to have to prepare for.''
That depth was evident in the Oilers' 4-2 first-round series victory over Los Angeles. McDavid and Draisaitl combined for 21 points and four others had at least five points apiece. Fourth-line center Mattias Janmark, who played for Vegas in 2020-22, scored the winning goal in Game 5 against the Kings.
''We're not hiding from anyone because we feel we have so many good players that can play against other teams' top lines,'' Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said. "Connor and Leon are our two most valuable players, and they typically impact the game more than anybody every single night. But they can only do it so many times. We need other guys stepping up. It was nice to see in the LA series other guys step up.''
Jay Woodcroft was the Oilers' coach two years ago when McDavid and Draistaitl nearly carried the team to the series victory, combining for eight goals and six assists as the teams split the first four games. Draisaitl was left completely off the scoresheet in the final two games. McDavid continue to produce with three goals, but he had no assists.
The result was an Edmonton team that scored at least four goals in three of the first four games getting held to a combined five over the final two.