Late-round gems in the NHL draft can lead to impactful careers, even as scouting and analytics improve draft strategies. Players like Lane Hutson, drafted 62nd overall, exemplify this, as he should have been picked earlier. Recent success stories include Troy Terry (148th), Andrew Mangiapane (166th), and Mark Stone (178th), all of whom overcame doubts about their size and skill. The key to their success lies in possessing elite attributes that set them apart.

This year's draft presents potential diamonds in the rough, even as odds diminish for players selected after the third round. Notable prospects include Cameron Schmidt, a dynamic scorer despite his smaller stature, and Jacob Rombach, a towering defenseman with shutdown potential. Teams seek separating skills, and players like Viktor Klingsell and David Bedkowski have shown flashes of their unique talents in international play. These players embody the essence of late-round success, defying the odds stacked against them.

The Edmonton Oilers are through to the Western Conference final after a dramatic 1-0 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5, thanks to a heroic performance from goalie Stuart Skinner. Having previously struggled with a 6.11 goals-against average, Skinner rebounded with two consecutive shutouts, stifling the Golden Knights' offense and stopping 24 shots in the process. The Oilers clinched the series with a goal from Kasperi Kapanen, who netted the decisive score 7:19 into overtime during a chaotic net-front scramble. This marks a significant turnaround for Skinner, who stepped into the starting role due to an injury to Calvin Pickard.

The Golden Knights had previously managed to win only one game in the series, capturing a 4-3 victory in Game 2 with a last-second goal from Reilly Smith. However, since then, Skinner has proven to be an impenetrable wall for the Knights. The next challenge for Edmonton awaits as they prepare to face the winner of the Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets series, where Dallas currently leads 3-1. Notably, the Golden Knights played without their captain Mark Stone due to injury, which may have contributed to their struggles in the series.

Mark Stone, captain of the Vegas Golden Knights, missed Game 5 of the playoff series against the Edmonton Oilers due to an upper-body injury. He initially sustained the injury in Game 3 but returned for Game 4, where the Knights suffered a 3-0 defeat.

Before his injury, Stone had contributed significantly to the series with four points in the first two games. However, his absence in Game 5 was a significant blow to the Knights, who were trailing 3-1 in the series, needing a victory to stay alive.

The second-round playoff series between the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights has showcased the resilience of both teams, each capable of coming back from two-goal deficits. The Oilers claimed Game 1, while the Golden Knights rallied in Game 3. The unpredictability of leads has defined the series, with a different team stepping up in crucial moments.

Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins emphasized the importance of maintaining pressure despite the desire to hold leads. Both teams boast substantial playoff experience, with Vegas retaining a stable core from their 2023 Cup-winning roster and the Oilers holding onto players from last year’s Cup final appearance. As Oilers captain Connor McDavid noted, the contest is fiercely competitive, with minimal daylight between the two teams.

Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy pointed out their success in overcoming deficits, which will be pivotal in this series. He acknowledged that while falling behind can affect teams that struggle to score, both sides have offensive prowess, enabling them to fight back. The Oilers' head coach, Kris Knoblauch, indicated lineup changes for Game 4, potentially including Troy Stecher and Kasperi Kapanen to inject fresh energy into the squad.

With McDavid leading the Oilers in postseason points and the uncertain status of Golden Knights captain Mark Stone following an injury, the stakes couldn’t be higher as both teams look to assert dominance in the series.

The Vegas Golden Knights are poised to tie their playoff series against the Edmonton Oilers in Game 4, following a dramatic victory in Game 3, where they netted a game-winning goal in the dying seconds. However, their chances hinge on the availability of Mark Stone, who is listed as a game-time decision after sustaining an injury in the last match. Stone's leadership on the ice is vital for the Knights, and his absence would be deeply felt as they strive for a win to head back home with momentum.

Vegas has been particularly strong at home this season, and securing a win in Game 4 would set the stage for an exciting series. The Golden Knights have shown resilience in the face of adversity, as evidenced by their response when Stone left the ice during Game 3. Forward Ivan Barbashev noted the collective effort of the team to step up in Stone's absence. With the pressure mounting, Game 4 is not just crucial for this series but may define the Golden Knights' playoff journey.