Some teams are known for performing exceptionally well when facing elimination, often described as having their backs against the wall. The Dallas Stars now find themselves in this challenging situation.
The Edmonton Oilers have established a significant 3-1 lead over the Stars in the Western Conference Final as they prepare for Game 5 on Thursday night.
The central question is whether the Stars can secure a victory to send the series back to Alberta for a Game 6 on Saturday, or if the Oilers will close out the series and advance to the Stanley Cup Final for the second consecutive year to face the Florida Panthers.
Matchup Insights
Dallas Stars at Edmonton Oilers | Game 5
Following Game 4, the odds for the Edmonton Oilers to win the Western Conference Final have increased significantly, reflecting their dominant 3-1 series lead. Correspondingly, the Dallas Stars` odds for a comeback victory are now much longer. Edmonton is also favored to win the Stanley Cup. In the Conn Smythe Trophy race for playoff MVP, Connor McDavid leads the field, with Leon Draisaitl being the only other player from this series listed with comparable odds.
Edmonton has been particularly strong at home this postseason, boasting a 6-1 record and outscoring visiting teams 33-17. Historically, the Oilers franchise has a formidable record when leading a best-of-seven series 3-1, having won 17 out of 18 such series; their single loss occurred in the 1989 division semifinals against the Los Angeles Kings.
The Dallas Stars have faced significant challenges on the road in these playoffs. They have been outscored 10-0 in the first period across their eight road games, becoming the first team in Stanley Cup playoff history to not score a first-period goal on the road through eight games in a single postseason. Furthermore, the Stars franchise has historically lost all 16 best-of-seven series where they trailed 3-1.
Leon Draisaitl continues to climb the Oilers` playoff record books, with his recent power-play goal and assist in Game 4 tying Wayne Gretzky and Glenn Anderson for the most career game-opening playoff goals in franchise history. It was also his 20th career playoff power-play goal, placing him fourth in Oilers history behind Gretzky (23), Jari Kurri (22), and Anderson (22).
Connor McDavid`s consistency is highlighted by the fact that he now has more career playoff games with two or more points (45) than games with one or zero points combined (44).
Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner`s recent success, including a 5-1 record in his last six starts and his 24th career playoff win, moves him past Andy Moog into third place on the franchise`s all-time playoff wins list. Bill Ranford is second with 25 wins, while Grant Fuhr holds the top spot with 74.
For Dallas, Jason Robertson scored a power-play goal in their Game 4 loss. His seven power-play goals over the last four postseasons represent the most for the Stars during that period.
Mikko Rantanen, listed as a forward for the Dallas Stars in the source text, finished Game 4 with no goals on two shots. He is currently experiencing a seven-game goalless drought, which is tied for his longest in a single postseason (also in 2022 with the Colorado Avalanche).
Stars goalie Jake Oettinger is nearing a significant milestone for U.S.-born netminders in playoff wins. His 32 career playoff victories are currently tied for fourth with Jon Casey and Frank Brimsek, behind Tom Barrasso (61), Jonathan Quick (49), and Mike Richter (41).
Scoring Leaders (Postseason)
Games Played: 15 | Goals: 5 | Assists: 19
Games Played: 17 | Goals: 9 | Assists: 12
Note: Player stats reflect overall postseason performance up to the time of the original article.
Note: The original source text incorrectly listed Mikko Rantanen as a player for the Dallas Stars; he plays for the Colorado Avalanche.
