The Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars are set to face off once again in the Western Conference Final, a direct rematch of last year`s series where the Oilers came out on top in six games.
What`s the key adjustment needed for the Stars to turn the tables this year?
Stars head coach Pete DeBoer pointed directly to special teams as the deciding factor in the previous matchup. “Don’t go 0-for-14 on the power play,” he stated, emphasizing their struggles with the man advantage last year.
Reflecting on the decisive Game 6, DeBoer felt his team played exceptionally well but couldn`t secure the win. “When I look back at last year’s series, I don’t think we could’ve played a better Game 6, the elimination game in Edmonton,” he said. “They found a way to win that game, they found a way to score timely goals.”
In that Game 6, the Oilers capitalized early with two power-play goals and managed to hold their lead. Despite Dallas significantly outshooting Edmonton 34-10, they failed to score on their three power-play opportunities. The lone Stars goal came from Mason Marchment, the only player to beat Stuart Skinner, who had what was likely his best performance as an Oiler in that game.
Oilers forward Zach Hyman also recalled Skinner`s strong play and highlighted the significance of special teams. “Stu probably had his best series,” Hyman commented. “and I just thought that special teams were important. There wasn`t one specific thing — those are all things that usually help you win series.”
Entering Round 3, Edmonton`s power play holds a respectable 25.6 percent success rate overall in these playoffs, but it has been ineffective on the road, going 0-for-14.
Meanwhile, Dallas possesses one of the league`s elite penalty killing units in the postseason, ranking third at 86.1 percent, behind only Florida and Carolina. The Oilers` penalty kill, which struggled initially against the L.A. Kings in Round 1, is currently at 66.7 percent.
DeBoer also highlighted a specific moment from Game 6 last year: Connor McDavid`s power-play goal where he skated off the flank, beat both Sam Steel and Miro Heiskanen, and scored with a backhand shot to give Edmonton a 1-0 lead.
“Difference-makers are important this time of year. It’s why they get paid the money they get paid in this league,” DeBoer remarked, acknowledging the impact of star players. He cited McDavid`s goal as a prime example: “We couldn’t have been in a better position, four guys around, and he finds a way to put one in the net.” DeBoer added that the Stars are pleased to have their own `difference-maker` this year in Mikko Rantanen.
He concluded by stating, “There are only a handful of those guys in the league that can make something out of nothing. Edmonton has two of them. So, it’s nice we have one this year.”
