The Dallas Stars lost 3-1 to the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of the Western Conference on Friday, giving the Oilers a 3-2 lead in the series as the teams head into Game 6.
Edmonton got off to a good start in the first period after scoring the first power-play goal of the series. The Oilers extended their lead in the second period and focused on defense to stay ahead of the Stars throughout the game and secure the victory.
Still, neither team was able to gain much momentum to open the game, with both teams combined taking just seven shots on goal during the first seven minutes of action.
Both Stars goalie Jake Oettinger and Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner made incredible saves in the first period, preventing one-on-one situations from turning into goals for the opposing team.
Edmonton had their first power play opportunity of the game following a roughing penalty on Stars defenseman Ryan Suter, who was forced into the penalty box for two minutes.
The Oilers quickly took advantage, scoring just 18 seconds into the power play off a rebound goal from left wing Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, giving them a 1-0 lead with 5:51 remaining in the period.
Dallas had their first power play of the game shortly after, as the Oilers allowed too many men on the ice at one time and right wing Zach Hyman had to sit out for two minutes.
However, the Stars were again unable to score during their advantage, falling to 0/10 in the series on power plays. The teams went into the locker room for the first intermission with the Oilers leading 1-0.
The second period opened poorly for the Stars. They once again lost a man when Miro Heiskanen sent the puck over the glass, resulting in a two-minute penalty for the defenseman.
Edmonton again scored during their power play. Nugent-Hopkins got his second goal of the game off an assist from center Leon Draisaitl and defenseman Evan Bouchard just 16 seconds into the play, giving the Oilers a 2-0 lead.
These struggles continued for the Stars as Edmonton scored their third goal of the game off a deep slap shot from defenseman Philip Broberg, extending the Oilers’ lead to 3-0 with 14:51 left in the second period.
The Stars had one final chance at a power play near the end of the second period after Oilers defenseman Brett Kulak received a two-minute penalty for holding Stars right wing Logan Stankoven.
This power play once again resulted in zero goals for the Stars, and they went into the second intermission trailing 3-0.
Dallas was unable to get their offense going toward the end of the second period, with the team finishing the first 40 minutes of actions with just 10 shots on goal.
The Stars entered the final period with long odds to come out on top. Only nine teams have won a postseason game while trailing by three or more goals during the third period since 2000.
Dallas opened the third period aggressively, attempting to mount a large comeback. They took four shots on goal during the first five minutes of action; however, none of these attempts got past Skinner, and they remained scoreless in the game.
Although the Stars were unable to cut the Oilers’ lead through much of the third period, they did eke out their first goal of the game with 5:51 remaining, as center Wyatt Johnston sent the puck past Skinner to cut the lead to 3-1.
With just over two minutes remaining in the game, the Stars opted to empty their net in favor of an additional offensive player, though it proved to be inconsequential as they did not score again.
Dallas managed to finish the game with 20 shots on goal but struggled to convert. Skinner saved 95% of shots sent his way, while Oettinger saved 88.5% of shots on goal.
The Stars will now begin preparations for Game 6 of this series, which is scheduled to be played in Edmonton on Sunday at 7 p.m.
