Golden Knights focus on fast start as do-or-die Game 5 nears

The Vegas Golden Knights know the stakes. After a hard loss in Game 4, they're now down a game from elimination. They will play the Edmonton Oilers in a do-or-die Game 5 at T-Mobile Arena. The head coach, Bruce Cassidy , and top players indicate that the team needs to start better, play harder, and make wiser decisions if they are to remain alive in the series.

Bruce Cassidy reports team needs to be prepared early on
The Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy acknowledged that the team started slowly in the previous two games. The Oilers started quickly, and the Golden Knights were playing catch-up. Bruce Cassidy accepted responsibility for it but also added his veteran players have to be ready early.


" We have to make sure we’re on our toes and I don’t think there were enough players on our toes ready to go, so that will be Step 1 in Game 5 -- make sure we push the envelope early and get to our game quicker."

🎥 Cassidy: It was an uphill battle and we weren't able to create enough offense. pic.twitter.com/L2noz7O1tg

— y-Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) May 13, 2025

The Golden Knights were in the same position during the first round. After being down against Minnesota, they won three in a row, two of them in overtime. Forward Reilly Smith stated , "We did it last series, so we have a lot of faith in this group,” Reilly Smith said. “We’ll just take it one at a time."

In Game 4, the Oilers scored just over a minute into the game and led 2–0 after one period. Another goal in the second made it 3–0, and Vegas could not find an answer. Edmonton blocked many shots, and Vegas couldn’t get enough chances near the net.

Jack Eichel stresses power play offensive pressure must improve
Jack Eichel highlighted that the power play must improve. Vegas had three power play opportunities during the first period but were unable to score. They also lost some prime shooting opportunities. Bruce Cassidy explained they need to take quick shots when they are available to break the defense of the Oilers.


Vegas also had trouble generating plays off the rush and lost pucks in the neutral zone. That has to change in Game 5. The team intends to put more pressure on the Oilers' defense and stay in their zone more.


"We need to be more aggressive offensively and try and force them to make mistakes on their breakout and get pucks back, make plays when we have opportunities, and get pucks to the net,” Eichel said. “So, it’s got to be better, and we’ll look toward Game 5."


If Vegas prevails, Game 6 would return to Edmonton. The Golden Knights are not done yet, but they must play their best game of the year next.


Also Read: Bruce Cassidy Frustrated After Missed Call Leads To Oilers' Overtime Winner