A third illuminating game set to shine in Edmonton
In the Western Conference Final, the Edmonton Oilers are ahead 2-1 following a dominant 6-1 victory in Game 3 against the Dallas Stars. Zach Hyman was a standout player, scoring two goals and providing an assist, while Connor McDavid also shone, netting two goals. The Oilers' success was further bolstered by Evan Bouchard and John Klingberg scoring once each, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins providing three assists [1][2][3].
Zach Hyman emphasized the team's improved performance in the first game compared to the second, sharing that he believes they played better in the initial contest. Similarly, Dallas Stars head coach Pete DeBoer expressed the same sentiment after their loss [4]. The third game takes place on Sunday afternoon in Edmonton with both teams eager to continue their competition [4].
Hyman acknowledged the unfamiliarity of playing a playoff game in the afternoon, commenting that everyone is in the same situation. He emphasized the importance of remaining strong, as the team is playing at home, and with no excuses, even if it means playing into a fifth overtime period and playing again soon [4].
The Oilers demonstrated their impressive defensive abilities in the first two games in Dallas. They shut out the Stars for three of their last four games, with Stuart Skinner saving 25 shots in the 3-0 win on Friday night [4]. The only real downside for the Oilers was the Stars' five-goal third period in their 6-3 victory in the opening game of the series [4].
"Stu was phenomenal. He shut the door on all the opportunities they had," Hyman said of Skinner's performance. The Oilers have a strong five-on-five record in the series so far, and Hyman stated that solidifying their special teams would put them in a good position [4].
In addition, Miro Heiskanen and Jason Robertson joined the Stars for the second round after injuries, while concerns now surround Roope Hintz. Hintz left the ice in the third period of the second game without putting weight on his left leg following a collision with Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse [5]. DeBoer announced that Hintz was undergoing tests, with the results yet to be known if he will make the trip or have a chance to play with such a short turnaround between games [5].
In another development, DeBoer continued to express his dissatisfaction with the penalty for a stick infraction in Game 2, asserting that it should have been a major penalty instead of the minor that was called [6]. He reiterated his stance that he stands by what he said regarding the play [6].
For the first time since the NHL began tracking starting lineups in 1997-98, both the regular season, and playoff games, all five starting skaters for the Stars were Finnish in the second game [7]. This lineup consisted of Roope Hintz, Mikko Rantanen, and Mikael Granlund on the first line, with defensemen Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell rounding out the group [7].
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who each had 100 points in the regular season, both picked up an assist in the second game of the Western Conference Final, reaching the 20-point mark in the playoffs. The two teammates are tied for the league lead in points with Rantanen, who is now five games without a goal and just two assists [7]. Draisaitl remained the Oilers' top scorer with six goals, while McDavid has three goals and 17 assists. When defenseman Brett Kulak scored in Game 3, he became the 17th different Oilers player to score a goal in these playoffs [7].
Zach Hyman, despite acknowledging the challenge of playing a playoff game in the afternoon, remains confident about the team's chances, especially playing at home. He stated, "We've demonstrated our defensive abilities in the first two games in Dallas, and if we can solidify our special teams, we'll be in a good position." Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars are facing concerns over Roope Hintz's injury and the team's performance in Game 2, where they received a controversial minor penalty instead of a major one.
