Good morning, Oil Country.
The Edmonton Oilers are one win away from the Stanley Cup Final.
After a hard-fought 4-1 win in Game 4, the Oilers have put the Dallas Stars on the brink. Up 3-1 in the Western Conference Final, they now have a golden opportunity to advance with a victory tonight in Game 5. But no one should expect it to be easy.
This is the hardest game to win, the one that eliminates a desperate, proud opponent.
Dallas didn’t get here by fluke. They’re deep, well-coached, and filled with players who have played in pressure moments before. Their backs are against the wall, and they’ll throw everything at Edmonton to keep their season alive. The Oilers need to be braced for an emotional, physical, and frantic 60 minutes. Game 5 isn’t about flash, it’s about focus, composure, and execution.
And they’ll have to do it without Zach Hyman.
Hyman, who exited Game 4 after injuring his wrist, will be likely be missing the rest the playoffs after having surgery yesterday. That’s a big blow. Hyman has meant a lot for the Oilers this postseason, a relentless forechecker, a net-front presence, and he was leading the team in hits. His absence won’t be easy to fill.
But the Oilers have proven they’re more than just a one-line team. This run has been built on contributions up and down the lineup. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has elevated his game. Vasily Podkolzin continues to bring energy and smart two-way play. Even depth pieces like Mattias Janmark and Kasperi Kapanen have come through in critical moments. Edmonton doesn’t need one guy to replace Hyman, they need a collective response.
Goaltending will once again be key. Stuart Skinner has responded to early-round adversity with a calm, efficient presence in net, and he’ll need to match or exceed Jake Oettington’s level in what could be the most emotionally charged game of the series. Expect the Stars to get to the crease early and often, Skinner’s rebound control and poise under pressure will be tested.
The Oilers can’t afford to sit back. Playing not to lose won’t cut it. They need to push the pace early, keep their discipline, and stay connected defensively. Special teams could also swing this game, the power play found life in Game 4 and the penalty kill has been a quiet strength.
This team is now 60 minutes from the Final. The opportunity is massive, and the challenge is just as great.
Now it’s about finishing what they’ve started.