Golden Knights lament missed call in Game 2 loss to Oilers - ESPN

LAS VEGAS — Just when it appeared that the Vegas Golden Knights finally found an opening in overtime, their chances of winning Game 2 were quickly shut down in controversial fashion.

It wasn't that the Golden Knights were overlooking what it means to be in a 2-0 series hole following a 5-4 overtime loss Thursday to the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals at T-Mobile Arena.

They were more concerned with what they saw, and what they didn't see from referee Gord Dwyer just 17 seconds before Leon Draisaitl's game-winning goal gave the Oilers their first 2-0 series lead since 2017.

Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb was going toward for the puck when Edmonton winger Viktor Arvidsson's stick got between McNabb's legs, which sent McNabb into the boards. The play wasn't ruled a penalty, and it led to the Oilers eventually going into transition before Draisaitl converted a 2-on-1 chance for the winner.

«It's pretty clear it's a penalty,» Golden Knights captain Mark Stone said. «His stick is between McNabb's legs, and he sends him headfirst into the boards. It's a pretty clear-cut penalty in my eyes and I think everybody's eyes, right? But that's hockey. You don't always get the calls.»

Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy was a bit more direct about what he saw on the McNabb play.

«Listen, Gord's looking at it. He blew it. He missed the call,» Cassidy said. «I don't know what else to say. It's a can-opener trip, it's a dangerous play, it's all those things. But it didn't get called, so you've got to keep playing.»

Cassidy said he didn't have an immediate update on McNabb's status for Game 3 on Saturday in Edmonton. If he were to miss Game 3, it would leave the Golden Knights without one of their