'We have a lot of belief': Edmonton Oilers optimistic for Western Conference final

The Edmonton Oilers know they weren't the favourites heading into their second-round playoff series against the Golden Knights.

It didn't matter.

Edmonton edged Vegas 1-0 in overtime on Wednesday to win the best-of-seven series 4-1 and book their spot in the Western Conference final.

Oilers captain Connor McDavid was happy to upset expectations.

"There's probably a lot of people who thought [the series] was going to go longer than five [games] and probably not a lot of people who thought we would win. It's nice to keep on rolling, keep on proving people wrong," he said.

"We have a lot of belief in this room. It's fun to be a part of."

After a defensive stalemate through 60 minutes, Kasperi Kapanen scored the series-clinching goal at the 7:19 mark of overtime.

It was a major play for the Finnish forward, who was a healthy scratch for the first nine games of Edmonton's post-season run.

Oilers grind out OT win to finish Golden Knights series

On a team stacked with offensive talent, Kapanen said he understood when head coach Kris Knoblauch said he wouldn't be in the lineup to start the playoffs.

"That's the main goal, that's the most important thing, is the team winning and us advancing," he said. "I knew eventually I'd probably get a chance. And just being patient and being ready."

Stuart Skinner stopped all 24 shots he faced on Wednesday to collect his second straight shutout.

"I'm really happy that I was able to come in and give my team a chance to win," the goalie said. "Being able to do it in five is huge. The way [my teammates] played in front of me is massive."

The Oilers have shown a lot of confidence and maturity so far this post-season, Skinner added.

"It's been a process to get to where we are today, and I truly