Game 1 of the Western Conference finals between the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers unfolded like two distinct contests. For the initial 40 minutes, the Oilers were dominant, appearing unstoppable as they built a 3-1 advantage against an overwhelmed Stars squad, whose lone goal came via a Tyler Seguin breakaway.
However, a persistent issue for Edmonton throughout the playoffs—their penalty kill—resurfaced. It was exploited for seven goals in the first three games against the Los Angeles Kings and conceded three goals in the opening two games against Vegas. In the conference final opener, it served as a vital jolt for the Stars, who seemed lifeless after trailing 3-1 through two periods. Miro Heiskanen, Mikael Granlund, and Matt Duchene each scored power-play goals within the first 5:58 of the third period, propelling Dallas into the lead. The Stars maintained control from there, securing a 6-3 victory in Game 1.
How did each team fare, and what are the primary considerations for them leading into Game 2?
Edmonton Oilers
Grade: C-
The Oilers were in a position to secure a win, only to see it slip away. Having been inactive for a week after eliminating Vegas in five games, Edmonton initially appeared well-rested. They played a relatively clean road game, especially considering the layoff. A miscue in the first period allowed Tyler Seguin a breakaway for the tying goal, but aside from that, Edmonton demonstrated strong defense for 40 minutes. Their power play, as Connor McDavid had anticipated, finally made an impact; Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored Edmonton`s first road power-play goal of the postseason to give them a 2-1 lead, which grew to 3-1 entering the third period. That`s when things unraveled.
Edmonton surrendered three power-play goals in under six minutes, falling into a one-goal deficit they couldn`t overcome. They had chances to recover on their own special teams but failed to convert their third-period opportunities, finishing 1-for-3 on the power play. Edmonton`s bench was visibly disheartened even before Seguin`s late “dagger” goal sealed the Stars` victory. It was a tale of two performances for the Oilers, and the inferior one prevailed. (Analysis by Kristen Shilton)
Dallas Stars
Grade: B+
The Stars` power play was exceptional, easily earning an A-plus. It was the standout feature of Game 1. Dallas was significantly challenged by McDavid and Leon Draisaitl until their three power-play goals early in the third period. The Stars became only the second team since 1934 to score three goals on the man advantage within the first six minutes of a playoff period. They were the first to achieve three power-play goals in the third period of a playoff game since the San Jose Sharks scored four in Game 7 against the Golden Knights in 2019.
The rest of the Stars` performance was closer to a C-plus. The initial two periods were concerning against Edmonton, marked by defensive lapses and numerous high-danger chances conceded. Edmonton resembled a team that had won eight of its last nine playoff games, and the Stars allowed Stuart Skinner to look far too comfortable. However, the third period was masterful, not just for the power-play goals but also for a crucial penalty kill against the Oilers, Sam Steel`s decisive goal, and another solid final period from goalie Jake Oettinger, who stopped all six shots he faced. It was a crucial win, particularly given that teams winning Game 1 of a best-of-seven playoff series have advanced 68% of the time. However, not every game will feature the Oilers` third-period lack of discipline or the Stars` power-play success. Dallas needs to elevate their overall game, but the positive takeaway is securing a win even when not at their absolute best. (Analysis by Greg Wyshynski)
Three Stars of Game 1
1. Tyler Seguin
Contributed two goals and an assist, including Dallas` opening goal. His breakaway goal was his first since November and the team`s fourth this postseason, the most among all teams.
2. Miro Heiskanen
Recorded a goal and an assist. This was his 13th career multipoint game in the playoffs, tying Sergei Zubov for the most by a defenseman in Stars/North Stars history.
3. Power-play goals
The Oilers converted 1-of-3 opportunities, while the Stars were successful on 3-of-4. Dallas` three consecutive power-play goals in the third period set a Stars/North Stars record for power-play goals in a playoff third period. (Note from Arda Öcal)
Players to Watch in Game 2
Stuart Skinner
The Oilers` goalie has had an inconsistent postseason, shifting from starter to backup and back to No. 1. Skinner appeared sharp early against the Stars but then, like his teammates, looked shaky late in the game. Dallas` fourth goal was particularly poorly tracked, with Skinner slow to react to Duchene`s shot that became the eventual game-winner. Skinner seemed unsettled thereafter and displayed less confidence than earlier. With Calvin Pickard, who started in the first round, still recovering from an injury sustained in Game 2 against Vegas, the onus is on Skinner to rebound and help Edmonton get back on track in Game 2. (Analysis by Kristen Shilton)
Wyatt Johnston
Several depth players stepped up for Dallas in Game 1 when needed, with Seguin, Duchene, and Steel all scoring in the Stars` comeback win. However, one player known for playoff contributions who remained notably quiet is Johnston, the team`s talented 22-year-old center. His Game 3 goal in a 5-2 win over Winnipeg was his only point of that series, and he didn`t register any points in the Game 1 win against Edmonton. Compounding the issue for Dallas is his struggle defensively; he was beaten by Draisaitl on the Oilers` first goal. Depth is already crucial in this series. The Stars need Johnston to contribute more to their depth advantage. (Analysis by Greg Wyshynski)
Big Questions for Game 2
Can the Oilers avoid penalties?
Edmonton had control of Game 1 until penalty issues undermined their positive play. Will this lack of discipline be a factor again? The Stars were very effective, converting 3-of-4 power-play chances, which is not surprising given their success during the regular season and playoffs. Dallas entered the series with the third-best power play of the postseason (30.8%) and the best among remaining teams, while Edmonton had the third-worst penalty kill (66.7%). This is a difficult matchup for the Oilers if they continue to take multiple penalties. Dallas demonstrated (repeatedly) that they will make Edmonton pay for every mistake, and Edmonton made too many in Game 1. (Analysis by Kristen Shilton)
Is it time to be concerned about the Finnish Mafia?
The Stars wouldn`t have reached the Western Conference finals without Mikko Rantanen. And he wouldn`t have led the playoffs in scoring entering this round without the chemistry he shares with fellow Finns Mikael Granlund and Roope Hintz. However, this line hasn`t scored an even-strength goal since Game 5 against the Winnipeg Jets. While the trio did contribute on the power play in the third period of Game 1 (Granlund scoring, Hintz and Rantanen assisting on Duchene`s goal), which is valuable, Dallas was most dominant when this line was driving play at 5-on-5. The Stars face two generational talents in McDavid and Draisaitl. They need their own superstar line, led by Rantanen, to bring that level of excellence at even strength. (Analysis by Greg Wyshynski)
