Game 1 Analysis: Stars vs. Oilers – A Tale of Two Halves
The first game of the Western Conference Final between the Dallas Stars and the Edmonton Oilers was a game of two completely different halves. The Oilers dominated the first 40 minutes, but the Stars reacted spectacularly in the third period to take the victory.
The first two-thirds of the game were for the Oilers, who seemed unstoppable, building a 3-1 lead. The Stars’ only goal in that period was a breakaway by Tyler Seguin.
However, the Oilers’ trend in the playoffs of having problems on the penalty kill continued. In the first three games against the Los Angeles Kings they received seven goals and in the first two games against Vegas, three goals. In Game 1 of the conference final, Edmonton’s penalty kill was their undoing.
Miro Heiskanen, Mikael Granlund, and Matt Duchene scored power-play goals in the first six minutes of the third period, giving the Stars the lead and the eventual 6-3 victory.
Team Performance
Edmonton Oilers: Grade C-
The Oilers had the game under control, but they let it slip away. After a week of rest following their elimination of Vegas in five games, Edmonton seemed well-rested, displaying a clean game on the road. A mistake in the first period allowed Tyler Seguin to score a goal that tied the game, but apart from that, Edmonton kept the Stars at bay for 40 minutes. The Oilers’ power play finally materialized, with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scoring the first away goal in the postseason, giving them a 2-1 lead, which they extended to 3-1. It was in the third period where everything fell apart.
Edmonton conceded three power-play goals in less than six minutes, putting them at a disadvantage. The Oilers were unable to convert their own attempts in the third period, finishing 1-for-3 with the man advantage. Edmonton’s bench was dejected even before Seguin scored the final goal to secure the Stars’ victory.
Dallas Stars: Grade B+
The Stars’ power play earned an A+. Dallas was in trouble against McDavid and Draisaitl until their three power-play goals turned the game around. They became the second team since 1934 to score three power-play goals in the first six minutes of a playoff period. The Stars took the victory in a game where they didn’t play at their best.
The Stars of Game 1
- Tyler Seguin: Two goals and one assist.
- Miro Heiskanen: One goal and one assist.
- Power Play Goals: The Oilers finished 1-3 and the Stars 3-4.
Dallas’ power play scored three consecutive goals in the third period, their most in a playoff period in Stars/North Stars history.
Players to Watch in Game 2
Stuart Skinner (Oilers): The Oilers’ goalie has had an unstable postseason. He needs to bounce back for Edmonton to get back on track in Game 2.
Wyatt Johnston (Stars): Needs to perform better in the game, as he hasn’t had the expected impact in the playoffs, especially on defense.
Big Questions for Game 2
Will the Oilers be able to improve their discipline? Lack of discipline cost them Game 1. The Stars showed that they will take advantage of every mistake by Edmonton.
Is it time to worry about the “Finnish Mafia”? The Stars’ Finnish line needs to produce goals at even strength.
