After five games in the Western Conference Final, the Edmonton Oilers have wrestled control of the series from the Dallas Stars, winning four straight games to win the series 4-1 and punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final. What began as a shaky start has quickly turned into a statement of dominance, as the Oilers have dictated play since Game 2 with balanced scoring, elite special teams, and their leaders stepping up at the perfect time.
Game 1 – The Collapse
It all started with a frustrating Game 1 loss in Dallas. The Oilers looked like the better team for 40 minutes, carrying a 3-1 lead into the third period behind goals from Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Evan Bouchard. However, a complete third-period breakdown, fueled by undisciplined penalties, resulted in four unanswered Dallas goals, three of them on the power play. Miro Heiskanen, Mikael Granlund, and Matt Duchene all capitalized with the man advantage, and the Stars stole a game the Oilers had no business losing. Discipline was the issue, and Edmonton knew it.
Game 2 – Response and Redemption
The bounce-back in Game 2 was exactly what a contender does. Edmonton tightened up defensively and stayed out of the box, allowing them to control play and shut Dallas out 3-0. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins continued his red-hot postseason with another power-play goal, Brett Kulak found the net for the first time, and Connor Brown added insurance. Stuart Skinner was solid when needed, but the team in front of him gave Dallas little to work with. Game 2 was a turning point in mentality.
Game 3 – Statement at Home
Back at Rogers Place, the Oilers fed off the energy of the Edmonton crowd and dominated Game 3. Connor McDavid and Zach Hyman each scored twice, with McDavid’s second goal coming late in the second to swing momentum. Bouchard opened the scoring and continued his remarkable postseason from the blueline, and John Klingberg added a power-play tally in the third for good measure. Once again, Edmonton limited mistakes and struck on their chances, winning 6-1 and taking a 2-1 series lead.
Game 4 – Veteran Impact
Game 4 was a masterclass in playoff hockey: disciplined, opportunistic, and physical. Leon Draisaitl and Corey Perry both tallied power-play goals, and the Oilers killed off key penalties, limiting Dallas to one goal. With the Stars pressing late, Kasperi Kapanen and Adam Henrique each scored empty-net goals to seal a 4-1 win. The veteran presence, especially from Perry and Henrique, was pivotal, both on the scoresheet and in controlling the pace.
Game 5 – Finishing the Job
In Dallas once again, the Oilers closed the door with authority. Despite giving up three goals, they countered with six of their own, showcasing the offensive depth that has made them so dangerous all postseason. Every line contributed, and the Stars simply had no answers. From a 0-1 series deficit to a 4-1 finish, Edmonton asserted itself as the better team.
RNH, Bouchard, and Leadership
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been the unsung hero of the series, factoring in on nearly every big goal. Evan Bouchard continues to quarterback the power play with poise beyond his years. And leaders like McDavid and Draisaitl are doing what’s expected—driving the team forward.
The Road Ahead
Now, the Oilers are heading back to the Stanley Cup Final for the second straight year. They will be facing the Florida Panthers in a rematch of last season’s championship series. The pain of coming up just short in Game 7 still lingers, but this team looks sharper, deeper, and hungrier. Edmonton has four more wins to go, and this time, they intend to finish the job.