The Edmonton Oilers continue to assert their dominance in the Western Conference Final, defeating the Dallas Stars 4-1 in Game 4 at Rogers Place. With the win, the Oilers now lead the series 3-1 and are one victory away from punching their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final.
But it didn’t come without adversity.
Early in the first period, Zach Hyman, who scored twice in Game 3, left the game with an apparent injury and did not return. Despite losing one of their most impactful playoff performers, the Oilers remained composed and found production throughout the lineup.
Edmonton struck first on the power play, with Leon Draisaitl unloading a heavy slapper from the circle at 11:23 of the first period. The goal, his seventh of the postseason, was set up beautifully by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Corey Perry, both of whom had standout nights.
Dallas answered midway through the second, tying the game on a Jason Robertson power-play marker, his second of the series. But once again, Edmonton’s lethal power play responded. Just over two minutes later, Perry redirected a Nugent-Hopkins shot past Jake Oettinger to reclaim the lead. Connor McDavid picked up his 18th assist on the play, adding to his playoff-leading point total.
Stuart Skinner was sharp once again between the pipes, turning aside 28 of 29 shots and earning second-star honors. His calm, confident presence helped Edmonton navigate a few tense moments as Dallas pushed for the equalizer.
The Oilers sealed the game in the third with a pair of empty-net goals. Kasperi Kapanen found the yawning cage at 17:33, assisted by Brett Kulak and Draisaitl. Then, Adam Henrique added another insurance marker at 19:10, with McDavid and defenseman Jake Walman picking up helpers.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was the first star of the game, finishing with two assists and quietly continuing his outstanding playoff run. Perry, the ageless playoff warrior, added a goal and an assist of his own, earning third-star recognition.
Even without Hyman, the Oilers showcased the kind of depth and structure that’s propelled them this far. The penalty kill held strong, and the power play once again delivered in clutch moments.
Game 5 shifts back to Dallas, where the Oilers will have a chance to close out the series. If they can replicate the defensive discipline and special teams success shown in Games 3 and 4, they could soon be booking a trip to the Stanley Cup Final.