The Edmonton Oilers got a huge 1-0 overtime win Game 5 in to close out their second-round series in the 2025 Stanley Cup against the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday night at T-Mobile Arena.

With the win, the Oilers return to the Western Conference Final and will meet the winner of the Dallas Stars-Winnipeg Jets series.

With that in mind, it’s worth looking into the three most underperforming Edmonton Oilers players from Round 2 in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs.

3 most underperforming Edmonton Oilers players from Round 2 playoff series against Golden Knights

#3 Vasily Podkolzin

Vasily Podkolzin will need to step up in the Western Conference Final to help the Oilers advance - Source: ImagnVasily Podkolzin will need to step up in the Western Conference Final to help the Oilers advance - Source: Imagn
Vasily Podkolzin will need to step up in the Western Conference Final to help the Oilers advance – Source: Imagn

The Edmonton Oilers counted on Vasily Podkolzin to provide secondary scoring in the team’s top six. However, he didn’t quite live up to those expectations in Round 2 against the Vegas Golden Knights.

While Podkolzin notched a goal and an assist in Game 2, that was all the offensive output Podkolzin registered in the series.

Moreover, his ice time has been dwindling, often playing less than 10 minutes a night. While he played over 14 minutes in Game 5, his performance wasn’t as significant as the team would have hoped throughout the series.

But Podkolzin was on the ice for the series-clinching goal. So, at least that’s something positive to build on.

#2 Viktor Arvidsson

Viktor Arvidsson is likely on the outside looking in this postseason - Source: ImagnViktor Arvidsson is likely on the outside looking in this postseason - Source: Imagn
Viktor Arvidsson is likely on the outside looking in this postseason – Source: Imagn

Like Podkolzin, Viktor Arvidsson’s role on the team had been dwindling as the series went on. He registered two points in Game 2, but that was about it for Arvidsson’s offensive production in the series.

Arvidsson eventually found himself sitting in the press box for Game 5 as Kasperi Kapanen made his playoff debut, getting the game-winner in overtime.

#1 Darnell Nurse

Darnell Nurse has played solid defensve, but lacks the offensive production the Oilers need - Source: ImagnDarnell Nurse has played solid defensve, but lacks the offensive production the Oilers need - Source: Imagn
Darnell Nurse has played solid defensve, but lacks the offensive production the Oilers need – Source: Imagn

Darnell Nurse has struggled to put up the offensive numbers the Edmonton Oilers would hope he could produce.

Nurse had just two points in the entire series against Vegas. Overall, Nurse has just four points the entire postseason, making his production disappointing for the Oilers.

While Nurse has been solid defensively, a bump in his offensive production will come in handy against a team like the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Final. The team must get more from Nurse if they are to return to the Stanley Cup Final for the second year in a row.

Nurse and the Oilers will get a couple of extra days off as they await the winner of the other Western Conference bracket.