Morning Skate Report: May 12, 2023

The Vegas Golden Knights are back on home ice to try to grab the series lead against the Edmonton Oilers on Friday at 7 p.m. PT at T-Mobile Arena. The series is tied, 2-2.

BROADCAST INFORMATION
TV: TNT
Radio: FOX Sports Las Vegas 98.9/1340 | Deportes Vegas 1460
VGK Today: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Soundcloud
Realm Report: Streaming on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Twitch at 1 p.m.

TRAFFIC UPDATE
The Nevada Department of Transportation's I-15 Tropicana Project will have a major impact on many fans' travel to games at T-Mobile Arena. Road, ramp and lane closures will change throughout the two-and-a-half year project. The Vegas Golden Knights encourage fans to arrive early and stay late for games, but with some closures fans' typical routes to the arena will not be available. Please visit vgk.io/i15Trop for more information. Fans can also use traffic mobile apps like Waze which will be updated with road and ramp closures.

FAN ACTIVATIONS
Fans are encouraged to arrive early at T-Mobile Arena, where doors will be open 90 minutes prior to puck drop for the duration of the playoffs. Fans should be prepared for changes in traffic patterns around T-Mobile Arena that may cause delays. Frank Sinatra Dr. will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Excalibur Way and Arena Dr.

On Toshiba Plaza, Golden Knights fans can await the game with music, food, and beverages. Local tattoo artist, Joey Hamilton from Revolt Tattoos, will also be outside T-Mobile Arena before Game 5 for fans interested in a permanent or temporary tattoo of the team's logo. Fans without a ticket are invited to stay on Toshiba Plaza and watch the game live outside.

There will be a dunk tank starting at 4 p.m. in which fans can "dunk an Oilers fan." Fans can take their shot at dunking the 'Oilers fan' with an entry into the 51/49 raffle.

Inside T-Mobile Arena, battle towels will be placed on individual seats for every home game during the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Those with a ticket to the game are encouraged to download the Stadium FX mobile application on their iPhone or Android device to become part of the team's immersive experience during the pregame show.

During Game 5 on Friday, May 12, VGK Authentics will have a special activation inside the arena at Section 10. For the first time, the team's game-worn Reverse Retro jerseys from the 2022-23 regular season will be available for purchase for fans attending the game. Jerseys will be bundled together with game-worn helmets.

On Sunday, May 14, the Golden Knights will host a Game 6 watch party at The Dollar Loan Center. The Tiltyard will open 90 minutes before puck drop and doors will open 60 minutes prior. Entry is free for all fans, and giveaways and raffles for VGK Authentics gear will be offered.

SERIES AT A GLANCE
Game 1: Golden Knights 6, Oilers 4 | Highlights
Game 2: Oilers 5, Golden Knights 1 | Highlights
Game 3: Golden Knights 5, Oilers 1 | Highlights
Game 4: Oilers 4, Golden Knights 1 | Highlights
Game 5: Friday, May 12, 7 p.m. at T-Mobile Arena (TNT)
Game 6: Sunday, May 14, (Time TBD) at Rogers Place (Broadcast TBD)
\Game 7: Tuesday, May 16, (Time TBD) at T-Mobile Arena (TNT)
* If necessary*

LAST TIME OUT
Vegas was defeated by Edmonton, 4-1, on Wednesday night at Rogers Place. Nick Bjugstad, Evan Bouchard and Matthias Ekholm all scored for the Oilers in the first period, putting them up 3-0. In the second, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins extended the lead to 4-0. Six minutes into the third, Nicolas Roy scored Vegas' only goal of the game, bringing the final score to 4-1.

PLAYOFF SCORING LEADERSGolden Knights:
Mark Stone - 11 points (4G, 7A)
Chandler Stephenson - 10 points (6G, 4A)
Jack Eichel - 10 points (5G, 5A)

Oilers:
Leon Draisaitl - 18 points (13G, 5A)
Connor McDavid - 17 points (5G, 12A)
Evan Bouchard - 14 points (4G, 11A)

AROUND THE NHL
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Edmonton Oilers (Series tied, 2-2)
Seattle Kraken vs. Dallas Stars (Dallas leads, 3-2)

Florida Panthers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (Florida leads, 3-1)
New Jersey Devils vs. Carolina Hurricanes (Carolina wins, 4-1)

KEYS TO THE GAME
Start on time:The Golden Knights have given up the first goal in every game of Round 2 so far against the Oilers. A reoccurring topic throughout the locker room is finding a way to get an early lead against Edmonton. Mark Stone said after the Game 4 loss, "We've been giving up the first goal in every game, so we have to find a way to get a better start."

Power play: Vegas was awarded four power play opportunities during Game 4 on Wednesday night. They were unable to capitalize on all four chances. Coach Bruce Cassidy mentioned that it was 'disappointing.' "Our power play didn't allow us to get back in the game when we needed it," Cassidy said. "That would be the disappointing part."