The Tahoe Knight Monsters returned to the ice for their twenty-sixth game of the season as they faced off once again against the Tulsa Oilers. Tahoe, the ECHL affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights, was looking for a bounce-back performance after suffering a tight 3–2 loss to Tulsa in their previous meeting. Despite that setback, the Knight Monsters entered the matchup with a strong 14-9-2 record, keeping them firmly in the mix near the top of the standings. Meanwhile, the Tulsa Oilers, the ECHL affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks, came into the contest with confidence, carrying momentum from that recent one-goal victory over Tahoe and aiming to build on it against a familiar opponent.
The Tahoe Knight Monsters entered the matchup in search of their fifteenth win of the season and a much-needed bounce-back performance. Offense had been difficult to come by in recent games, as Tahoe struggled to generate consistent scoring and was unable to build or protect leads. Defensive lapses had also taken their toll, with the Knight Monsters allowing more than 40 shots per game and placing added pressure on their goaltenders. Those ongoing issues contributed to Tahoe sliding from first to third in the division, making this contest an important opportunity to regain momentum with a strong, complete effort. On the other side, the Tulsa Oilers remained at the bottom of the division but were far from backing down. Tulsa entered the game looking for its ninth win of the season and hoping to put together back-to-back victories. Desperate for points, the Oilers were eager to capitalize on any mistakes as they searched for a way to climb the standings. With every game carrying extra weight, Tulsa’s urgency and determination were expected to be on full display as they continued their push for momentum and a path up the division.
Cameron Whitehead got the start in goal for the Tahoe Knight Monsters, marking his thirteenth appearance between the pipes for Tahoe this season. At the other end of the ice, Vyacheslav Buteyets was tapped to start for the Tulsa Oilers, making his eighth game in net for Tulsa as he looked to continue providing stability in goal.
Two minutes into the game, the Tahoe Knight Monsters took the lead. The goal was scored by #48 Anthony Collins. His goal was assisted by #12 Blake Wells.
With under nine minutes remaining in the first period, Mike McKee of the Tulsa Oilers received a penalty for interference. The Tahoe Knight Monsters had a 1-0 lead after the first period.
Two minutes into the second period, Luke Adam of Tahoe received a slashing penalty. Five minutes into the second period, the Tulsa Oilers scored to tie the game. The tying goal was scored by #19 Josh Nelson. His goal was assisted by #28 Zachary Brooks and #37 Dylan Fitze.
With under nine minutes remaining in the second period, the Oilers took the lead. The go-ahead goal was scored by #4 Konnor Smith. His goal was assisted by #22 Adam McMaster and #28 Zachary Brooks.
With under five minutes remaining in the second period, the Knight Monsters tied the game. The tying goal was scored by #65 Devon Paliani. His goal was assisted by #92 Sloan Stanick and #38 Jordan Gustafson.
At the buzzer, goaltender Vyacheslav Buteyets of Tulsa received a ten-minute misconduct for inciting. The score was tied at 2-2 going into the third period.
A minute into the third period, the Tulsa Oilers took the lead. The goal was scored by #27 Easton Armstrong. His goal was assisted by #28 Zachary Brooks and #11 Tyler Poulsen.
Seven minutes into the period, Mike McKee of Tulsa was called for hooking. With under nine minutes left in the game, Jake Durflinger of Tahoe was called for tripping. With under five minutes left in the game, Brodi Stuart of Tulsa was given a four-minute penalty for high-sticking. A few seconds later, Tanner Faith of Tulsa was given a five-minute major penalty and a ten-minute misconduct for spearing. The Oilers held onto their lead to win the game. The final score was 3-2 Tulsa Oilers.
https://echl.com/videos/tahoe-knight-monsters-vs-tulsa-oilers-dec-14-2025
The Tahoe Knight Monsters found themselves in control early, but once again allowed the Tulsa Oilers to claw their way back into the game. After building a lead, Tahoe surrendered the tying goal and then the go-ahead marker, only to respond by leveling the score before the third period. That momentum was short-lived, however, as an early goal in the final frame proved to be the difference and ultimately handed Tahoe the loss. The Knight Monsters had a golden opportunity to force the issue late in the game with an extended five-on-three power play, but they were unable to convert when it mattered most. As has been the case far too often, Tahoe’s goaltender faced a barrage of shots and received little support at the other end of the ice. The lack of offensive execution and defensive structure continued to be glaring issues. Overall, this series was not a good look for the Knight Monsters, as they dropped two of three games and failed to respond when the stakes were highest. Tahoe has now lost five of its last six contests, including back-to-back defeats against a team sitting firmly at the bottom of the division. What was once one of the league’s top teams is quickly sliding in the wrong direction, and Tahoe will need to find answers fast if they hope to stop this downward trend.
With the loss, the Tahoe Knight Monsters fell to 14-10-2 on the season, sitting at 30 points through 26 games. That record places Tahoe tenth in the overall league standings, fourth in the Western Conference, and third in the Mountain Division as they continue to navigate a challenging stretch.
The Tahoe Knight Monsters are set to face the Wichita Thunder in the twenty-seventh game of the season. This matchup marks the first game of this three-game series in Tulsa. The puck is dropping on Wednesday, December 17th, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
Zac Electrifly 
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