The matchup for the Stanley Cup Final is now set, as the Edmonton Oilers clinched the Western Conference Final series by defeating the Dallas Stars 5-3 in Game 5. Edmonton established an early lead and successfully held off the Stars to secure the series-clinching victory.
With a chance to end the series, Connor McDavid delivered a standout performance for the Oilers. He assisted on the game`s opening goal and later scored the crucial game-winner late in the second period.
After Dallas had narrowed Edmonton`s lead to just one goal, a blocked shot bounced into the neutral zone. McDavid showcased his speed, winning the race against Roope Hintz for a breakaway opportunity. He then executed a flawless deke at full speed, extending the Oilers` lead to 4-2.
Dallas managed to score again early in the third period courtesy of Jason Robertson`s second goal of the game. However, the Oilers quickly responded when Evander Kane`s shot deflected off the skate of Dallas defenseman Esa Lindell and into the net.
From that point forward, the Oilers defense effectively shut down the Stars, similar to their performance in Games 3 and 4. Despite Dallas`s offensive depth, they struggled to generate scoring chances under pressure, managing only four shots on Stuart Skinner in the final period.
Allowing the first goal had been a recurring issue for the Stars throughout the postseason, and Game 5 was no different. Just 2:31 after the opening face-off, Corey Perry scored a power play goal following an excellent pass from McDavid.
Less than five minutes later, on only Edmonton`s second shot of the game, Mattias Janmark took advantage of a poor line change by the Stars, slipping a shot through the legs of Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger.
In a surprising move, Stars coach Peter DeBoer then replaced Oettinger with backup Casey DeSmith. Moments later, DeSmith allowed a goal on just the fourth shot he faced, when Zach Hyman scored past him.
It`s difficult to say how the rest of the game might have unfolded if Oettinger had remained in net, but the Stars might have been in a closer contest during the critical late stages rather than facing an early two-goal deficit.
The Oilers will now advance to the Stanley Cup Final to face the Florida Panthers in what is expected to be an exciting rematch. This achievement gives Edmonton an opportunity to end a 32-year Stanley Cup drought for Canadian teams.
Western Conference Final Series Results
- Game 1: Stars 6, Oilers 3
- Game 2: Oilers 3, Stars 0
- Game 3: Oilers 6, Stars 1
- Game 4: Oilers 4, Stars 1
- Game 5: Oilers 5, Stars 3
