DALLAS — The Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars are set to face each other again in the Western Conference Final, a repeat of last year`s series where the Oilers advanced in six games.
When asked what the Stars need to change to achieve a different outcome this time, Dallas head coach Pete DeBoer pointed directly to special teams.
“Don`t go 0-for-14 on the power play,” DeBoer stated, emphasizing, “Really, special teams decided the series.”
He reflected on last year`s elimination game: “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. They found a way to win that game, they found a way to score timely goals.”
In that pivotal Game 6, the Oilers scored two power-play goals in the first period and held on for the win. Despite outshooting Edmonton 34-10, Dallas went 0-for-3 on their power play, and only Mason Marchment managed to beat Stuart Skinner, who arguably delivered his best performance as an Oiler in that game.
Oilers forward Zach Hyman also commented on the series, recalling, “Stu probably had his best series, 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.”
Heading into Round 3 this year, the Oilers` power play holds a 25.6 percent success rate overall, but it has struggled particularly on the road, going 0-for-14 away from home.
Meanwhile, Florida (88.1%), Carolina (87.9%), and Dallas (86.1%) boast the top three penalty kill percentages in the current postseason. The Oilers` penalty kill is at 66.7 percent, having faced challenges early in their series against the L.A. Kings.
DeBoer also highlighted the impact of elite players, referencing Connor McDavid`s memorable power-play goal in Game 6 last year where he beat several defenders before scoring.
“Difference-makers are important this time of year. It’s why they get paid the money they get paid in this league,” DeBoer said. “McDavid did that last year, that power-play goal he scored. We couldn’t have been in a better position, four guys around, and he finds a way to put one in the net.” He acknowledged the rare talent of such players: “There are only a handful of those guys in the league that can make something out of nothing. Edmonton has two of them.”
Tristan Blackwood