Stuart Skinner will start for the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3 against the Vegas Golden Knights due to Calvin Pickard's day-to-day injury status. Skinner has struggled recently, notably with a 6.11 goals-against average in prior outings, but he demonstrated resilience in last season's playoffs. Coach Kris Knoblauch expressed confidence in Skinner's ability to rise to the occasion, recalling how Skinner previously helped propel the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Final.

Meanwhile, the Golden Knights face injuries to key players like Brayden McNabb and Brandon Saad, but they will welcome back leading goal scorer Pavel Dorofeyev for this crucial matchup. The Oilers lead the series 2-0, and Game 3 is pivotal for both teams as they vie for a spot in the next round.

The Vegas Golden Knights fell short in a dramatic overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers, finding themselves in a 2-0 series deficit after a controversial finish. A missed penalty call against Viktor Arvidsson, whose stick caused Brayden McNabb to crash into the boards, led to Leon Draisaitl's game-winning goal. Golden Knights captain Mark Stone emphasized the clarity of the penalty, while coach Bruce Cassidy criticized the officiating, stating it was a clear mistake. The Knights had their chances, with Victor Olofsson scoring twice and William Karlsson contributing as well. Yet, despite a strong performance, including 19 high-danger chances, they couldn’t capitalize on the opportunities, leaving them needing to regroup for Game 3 in Edmonton.

Injury updates are crucial as the NHL season progresses. New Jersey Devils defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic is set for a significant recovery following knee surgery, sidelining him for the start of training camp. Meanwhile, Jesper Bratt has chosen to address a long-standing shoulder issue by opting for surgery this offseason, which could impact his performance early in the season.

On the ice, Brayden McNabb of the Vegas Golden Knights left a recent game after a hit from Edmonton Oilers' Viktor Arvidsson, raising concerns over his condition as the Golden Knights seek to solidify their roster for the upcoming season. Coaches are also making headlines, with the Anaheim Ducks announcing Joel Quenneville’s return as head coach. This decision comes after a thorough review of his past, reflecting a commitment to both performance and accountability.

In a thrilling matchup, the Montreal Canadiens overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat the Vegas Golden Knights 3-2, halting the Knights' impressive six-game winning streak. Kirby Dach was the hero of the game, scoring the decisive goal midway through the third period. This victory marked the Canadiens' sixth win in their last seven games, showcasing their resilience and determination.

The Canadiens' comeback was sparked by goals from Cole Caufield and Emil Heineman, who contributed to the team’s momentum after trailing 2-0 late in the second period. Goaltender Sam Montembeault played a crucial role, stopping 27 shots and making critical saves in the dying moments of the game, including two point-blank attempts from the Golden Knights.

On the other side, Zach Whitecloud and Noah Hanifin found the back of the net for the Golden Knights, who suffered just their second loss in December, finishing the month with a solid 10-2 record. Adin Hill, the Golden Knights' goaltender, made 19 saves but could not prevent the Canadiens from sealing the victory. Dach's goal was particularly notable as he skillfully maneuvered past Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb before scoring.

In a thrilling matchup in San Jose, the Vegas Golden Knights triumphed over the San Jose Sharks with a final score of 6-3, showcasing their resilience and offensive prowess in the third period. Brayden McNabb and Jack Eichel were instrumental in this victory, each netting critical short-handed goals within seconds of one another, turning the tide in favor of the Golden Knights.

Vegas entered the third period trailing 3-2, but their quick response changed the game dynamics. McNabb scored the equalizer just over a minute into the period, followed by Eichel's go-ahead goal 23 seconds later. The Golden Knights capitalized on this momentum, scoring four unanswered goals in the final frame. Apart from McNabb and Eichel, Mark Stone, Brett Howden, Pavel Dorofeyev, and Noah Hanifin also contributed to the scoring, solidifying their team's dominance.

On the other side, the Sharks had a strong start, with rookie sensation Will Smith contributing a goal and an assist. Tyler Toffoli also made his mark with a goal, bringing his season total to 14. Despite their efforts, including a late second-period goal that broke a 2-all tie, San Jose could not maintain their lead in the face of Vegas's relentless attack. Goalies Adin Hill and Alexandar Georgiev recorded 22 and 30 saves, respectively, but it was not enough to stop the Golden Knights' surge.