The Tahoe Knight Monsters returned to the ice for their twenty-fifth game of the season, squaring off once again against the Tulsa Oilers. As the ECHL affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights, Tahoe was looking to secure back-to-back wins after a convincing 4-1 victory over Tulsa the night before. The Knight Monsters had firmly established themselves as one of the league’s stronger teams, entering the contest with an impressive 14-8-2 record and confidence trending in the right direction. On the other side, the Tulsa Oilers, the ECHL affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks, were searching for answers as they attempted to snap a nine-game losing streak. Tulsa came into the matchup still reeling from the previous night’s loss to Tahoe and looking for a response to change the narrative of their season. With a 7-13-0 record, the Oilers were eager to find a way to turn things around against a surging Knight Monsters squad.
The Tahoe Knight Monsters entered the matchup chasing their fifteenth win of the season and looking to build on momentum with a second straight victory. Sitting tied atop the division standings, Tahoe had its sights set on taking sole possession of first place. Finishing chances and strong goaltending were the difference makers in their previous win, and the Knight Monsters were aiming to replicate that same winning formula once again. For the Tulsa Oilers, this contest represented another chance to respond after a challenging stretch. Locked in last place in the division and searching for just their eighth win of the season, Tulsa was in desperate need of a spark. With points becoming harder to come by, the Oilers were expected to push back with urgency as they looked to change the narrative of their season and disrupt Tahoe’s push toward the top of the standings.
Jordan Papirny got the start in net for the Tahoe Knight Monsters. It was his eighth game played of the season. Jake Sibell got the start in net for the Tulsa Oilers. It was his second game played for the Oilers this season.
The Tahoe Knight Monsters took the lead a minute into the game. The goal was scored by #76 Trent Swick. His goal was assisted by #4 Olivier LeBlanc and #38 Jordan Gustafson.
Eight minutes into the game Easton Armstrong of the Tulsa Oilers received a penalty for elbowing. The Knight Monsters had a 1-0 lead after the first period.
A minute into the second period, Mike McKee of the Tulsa Oilers was called for boarding. Seven minutes into the second period, Sloan Stanick of the Tahoe Knight Monsters was called for tripping. Ten minutes into the second period, the Oilers tied the game. The tying goal was scored by #15 Drew Elliott. His goal was assisted by #24 Mike McKee and #43 J.C. Brassard.
With under six minutes to go in the period, Tahoe scored to retake the lead. The goal was scored by #26 Nate Kallen. His goal was assisted by #92 Sloan Stanick and #5 Kaelan Taylor.
Less than a minute after Tahoe took the lead, Artur Cholach of Tahoe was called for holding. On the power play, the Oilers tied the game. #37 Dylan Fitze, scored the tying goal. His goal was assisted by #45 Jaxsen Wiebe and #25 Coulson Pitre.
With under a minute to go in the period, the Oilers took the lead. The goal was scored by #16 Justin Michaelian. His goal was assisted by #24 Mike McKee and #11 Tyler Poulsen.
At the buzzer, Tahoe received a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. The Tulsa Oilers had a one goal lead going into the third period.
With ten seconds remaining in the game, Justin Michaelian of the Tulsa Oilers received a penalty for tripping. Neither team scored in the third period. The final score was 3-2 Tulsa Oilers.
https://echl.com/videos/tahoe-knight-monsters-vs-tulsa-oilers-dec-12-2025
Tahoe grabbed the early momentum in this one, taking the lead after the first period thanks to an early goal that set the tone. However, Tulsa found its footing in the second period, tying the game before striking twice in quick succession to take a one-goal lead into the second intermission. That swing in momentum proved to be the turning point, as the Knight Monsters were unable to find the equalizer in the third period despite their efforts.
The loss marks Tahoe’s fourth defeat in their last five games, while Tulsa was able to snap its losing streak. Although the Knight Monsters remain near the top of the division, this recent slide is becoming a concern. Tahoe is not generating the same level of offense that fueled their success earlier in the season, and that lack of scoring punch is beginning to hurt. All year, Tahoe has been comfortable spending extended time in its own zone, often limiting offensive opportunities, but as the season has progressed that approach has stopped paying dividends. The Knight Monsters have struggled to build and protect leads, and when they are allowing 40 to 50 shots per night, the offense has to be there to compensate. In this game, it wasn’t, and it hasn’t been in four of the last five. Despite the strong start to the season, there is a growing concern that these struggles could continue, especially as Tahoe faces stronger competition moving forward.
The Tahoe Knight Monsters are set to face the Tulsa Oilers in the twenty-sixth game of the season. This matchup marks the final game of this three-game series in Tulsa. The puck is dropping on Sunday, December 14th, 2025, at 1:05 PM.
Zac Electrifly 
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