Dallas Stars vs. Edmonton Oilers 2024 Western Conference Final Preview: Keys to Victory for Both Teams

In the latest 2024 NHL Playoff Preview show, host Matthew Zator joins Jacob Billington and Jacob Strozyk to preview the Western Conference Final between the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers. In this segment, they discuss key strategies for both teams aiming to clinch the series.

 

Edmonton Strikes First

The Edmonton Oilers made a strong statement by winning the opening game of the third round, defeating the Central Division champion Dallas Stars 3-2 in double overtime. Contrary to predictions of a Dallas dominance, the Oilers demonstrated their prowess, with Connor McDavid scoring the game-winning goal just 32 seconds into the second overtime period.

Oilers Send a Message

“You have to win tight games,” McDavid said. “We’re down to the final four teams, and you don’t get here without being a great team. Dallas is a great team, and it’s going to be tight hockey. We’re comfortable in these games and this environment. I thought we played really well all game.”

McDavid redeemed himself after taking a double-minor penalty early in the first overtime and missing a golden chance to score. His decisive goal underscored his resilience. “He had a good look in the first overtime to get it done, and it’s been my experience here that he doesn’t get denied twice,” said Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm. “It didn’t really matter who got it tonight, the important thing was somebody got it. It was Connor, and I’m not shocked that it was him.”

Classic Battle in Game 1

Game 1 was a quintessential Edmonton-Dallas showdown, decided by a single shot. The Oilers displayed remarkable resilience, overcoming a slow start, a late Dallas comeback, and a critical penalty in overtime. Despite the Stars having five power plays compared to Edmonton’s one, the Oilers secured a 1-0 series lead.

Head coach Kris Knoblauch praised his team’s maturity and ability to handle adversity. “We’ve talked throughout the season about how mature and responsible they are, how they handle adversity, no matter what happens. We just move on and get ready for the next shift. Those late tying goals can be hard on a team, hard to regroup from. But I didn’t see any deflation from our guys; they just stuck with it.”

PK Heroics

While McDavid’s stick often leads to Oilers’ victories, it nearly cost them in Game 1. He received a double-minor for high-sticking Matt Duchene early in overtime, putting Edmonton on the defensive for four grueling minutes. “Long. Really long. Really, really long,” McDavid said of his time in the penalty box. “Miserable. I hated every second of it.”

However, Edmonton’s penalty killers delivered a stellar performance, maintaining their impressive streak. “The penalty kill has just been amazing,” McDavid noted. “To step in there for four minutes against a good power play, you can’t give those guys enough credit.” This effort extended Edmonton’s penalty kill streak to 19 straight over the last five games.

Knoblauch emphasized the team’s readiness: “Our guys knew what had to be done. It’s almost like our penalty killers were excited to get out there, like ‘We have a job to do, and we’re going to go do it.'”

Positive Signs for the Oilers

Concerns about the Oilers’ depth and goaltending were alleviated in Game 1. Edmonton’s third and fourth lines generated momentum, and goalie Stuart Skinner performed admirably against Dallas’s Jake Oettinger. Edmonton’s top players, including Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman, proved reliable once again.

Despite Edmonton’s 2-0 lead in the second period, Dallas demonstrated their resilience with Tyler Seguin scoring twice, including the game-tying goal late in the third period, forcing overtime. Draisaitl’s goal extended his playoff points streak to 13 games, tying the record held by legends Mark Messier and Bobby Orr.

Revenge Served Cold

The Stars finally found some payback for Curtis Joseph’s epic overtime save on Joe Nieuwendyk in the 1997 playoffs. McDavid had a similar chance but was thwarted by Oettinger, aided by defenseman Chris Tanev. Though Edmonton ultimately won, it was a remarkable stop. “I just have to put it in the net, it’s as simple as that,” McDavid admitted. “It should have been in the net. I’m glad we were able to get the win, or I would have had a tough time sleeping.”

This thrilling start sets the tone for what promises to be an exhilarating Western Conference Final between two of the NHL’s best teams.

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