Known as an offense-first club, the Edmonton Oilers are proving to be a tight, defensive squad in the NHL playoffs.
Following Friday night’s 3-1 victory in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals series at American Airlines Center, the Oilers have yielded just three tallies in their past two outings.
The Oilers lead the best-of-seven series 3-2 and can qualify for the Stanley Cup finals Sunday at home.
The Oilers have employed a run-and-gun style for several seasons with two of the world’s top playmakers, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. But they never made it out of the conference finals together.
A change was needed because the Oilers have not captured the Stanley Cup since 1990.
With the Stars producing just 10 shots through the opening 42 minutes, the Oilers’ defenders shut down the middle of the ice and denied the Stars easy entry into the offensive end.
X (Twitter) users responded Friday night to the Oilers’ defense and opportunistic offense, paced by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ two rare power-play goals. The special-teams markers backed the effort of goalie Stuart Skinner (19 saves) …
“He’s been my favourite player ever since I was a young buck.” – Stuart Skinner on Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. 🥲 pic.twitter.com/17JRdpD643
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 1, 2024
Perhaps playing in their final home game of the season, the Stars were in a pre-game giving mood …
Gift giving is always in season 🎁 @PNCBank | #TexasHockey pic.twitter.com/M4NPi6XTu7
— z – Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) June 1, 2024
Meanwhile, in Edmonton, Oilers’ fans gathered downtown to experience the Stanley Cup action …
I spy with my little eye… 🏆 👀 💙🧡#LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/uCuOAFXodE
— City of Edmonton (@CityofEdmonton) May 31, 2024
Playing in his 200th career playoff game, Joe Pavelski was scoreless with three hits and a minus-1 rating. The Stars center ranks 23rd all-time in postseason appearances and the 22 players ahead of him have all dressed for Stanley Cup-winning teams. Pavelski, who is proving to be a good babysitter, wants to join the elite club …
Leave it to Wyatt Johnston to hit Joe Pavelski’s truck with a puck. 😅@armdog sat down with Wyatt Johnston and Joe Pavelski of the @DallasStars to chat about Wyatt becoming part of the Pavelski family over the last 2 seasons.
Full Feature: https://t.co/aTg1DY6l4y pic.twitter.com/Gs3Tiz0fFd
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 1, 2024
Did anyone see Stars defenseman Ryan Suter rough McDavid? …
A closer look at the roughing penalty that led to the Oilers goal 🎥 pic.twitter.com/dxHlqiVP7R
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) June 1, 2024
The Oilers’ penalty-kill units ruled, holding the Stars scoreless on their first nine man-advantage situations in the series …
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored the first power-play goal of the 2024 Western Conference Final. And then he added another… #StanleyCup
Tune in for the second period now on @NHL_On_TNT (truTV), @SportsonMax, @Sportsnet, @TVASports
#NHLStats: https://t.co/eSkBHXa8Cm pic.twitter.com/ptHhBuS1Zf— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) June 1, 2024
Nugent-Hopkins connected on Game 5’s “kick-starter,” compiling his 300th career power-play point (regular season and playoffs). The top-six forward scored around the net, converting the first power-play goal of the series …
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (+430) opens the scoring in game 5👀🚨
pic.twitter.com/TMUPgORvCB— Odds Shark (@OddsShark) June 1, 2024
Following a long stretch pass, Nugent-Hopkins “doubles down” and converted what proved to be the game-winning tally at 1:06 of the second period …
Let’s GOOOOOO #LetsGoOilers
pic.twitter.com/1pQ9e4aAXO— Kodak icy ☘️🏖️ (@CJ7toDiggs1) June 1, 2024
Taking advantage of Jeff Oettinger’s postseason weakness, Philip Broberg scored his first postseason goal by shooting over the glove of the Stars’ goalie. It was the 15th goal Oettinger surrendered on the one hole …
BROBERG PICKS HIS SPOT OFF THE FACE OFF 🚨🎯
OILERS LEAD 3-0 🔥#NHL | #LetsGoOilers | #TexasHockey
pic.twitter.com/FTb54FeM12— The Cam & Strick Podcast (@CamandStrick) June 1, 2024
Final score: Oilers 3, Stars 1 …
EK YA 😤 pic.twitter.com/PXlbXBZmEO
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) June 1, 2024
The Oilers spoke of ending the series in Game 6 …
“Lot of work to be done. Want to get the job done on Sunday.”
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins post game on TNT pic.twitter.com/lz0zTgxRd9
— Adam (@OilersAdam) June 1, 2024
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