Nick Wosika-Imagn Images

Golden Knights to be Without Two Players in Game 3

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Levine | Last updated May 10, 2025 6:13 PM ET

The Vegas Golden Knights have their backs up against the wall as they head into a crucial Game 3 showdown. Vegas dropped the first two games on home ice of their second-round playoff series with the Edmonton Oilers, putting them in a tough situation.

The Golden Knights are now heading out on the road down two games in the series, and they will need a much better effort to win. However, things could be even tougher for Vegas as they will be down two players for Game 3.

Vegas will be without Brayden McNabb and Brandon Saad for the contest, putting their depth to the test. McNabb was hurt late in Game 2 on a controversial non-call by the referees.

McNabb was tripped by Oilers' Viktor Arvidsson, but no call was made. Very quickly after that, Edmonton scored the game-winning goal, sending them to a 2-0 series lead.

Now McNabb is hurt, and it remains to be seen when he will return to the lineup. But the Golden Knights will do what they can to fend off the attack of the Oilers in Game 3.

Ahead of the game, Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy challenged his team, trying to find any sense of fight in his guys.

"They've got to do their part," Cassidy said. "You look around the room, we probably need a couple of guys in the room to elevate as well, right? We'd love somebody to have a Mikko Rantanen-ish type of game of course. But we're not keeping our fingers crossed. That would be great if it happened. I said a couple of guys may feel like they can give a little more. Now's the time."

Game 3 between the Oilers and Golden Knights is set to kick off at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: