The Dallas Stars find themselves in a precarious position as they prepare for Game 5 against the Edmonton Oilers, facing elimination in the Western Conference final. The stakes are high; a loss would mark the third consecutive year their playoff run ends at this stage.
"We're generating chances, and it just hasn't been going in," Stars forward Sam Steel remarked on Wednesday, emphasizing the need to refocus. "I don't think we can focus on that too much, or complain about how pucks aren't going in. We know the recipe and we're looking to get back to it."
With a 3-1 series deficit, Dallas returns home after scoring just two goals in their last three games. The Oilers, led by stars Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, are poised to clinch the series and advance to their second consecutive Stanley Cup Final.
Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, "We've got a heck of a series here against Dallas, and we have one more win to get too. If we're fortunate to get that last win, then we'll be preparing for that next team." His focus remains solely on the Stars.
Excluding their explosive Game 1 performance, where they scored five goals in a single period, the Stars have struggled offensively, being outscored 16-3 over the remaining periods of the series. This marks a significant downturn for a team that ranked third in the NHL with an average of 3.35 goals per game during the regular season.
Mikko Rantanen, a key player for Dallas, has not found the net in seven games after an impressive start to the playoffs. "This is not the time of year to get frustrated," he said ahead of his 99th playoff game. "We know we're a good team; we just need to win one game."
Meanwhile, Edmonton is looking to capitalize on their momentum after a recent overtime victory against Vegas. "Listen, give them credit. They're up 3-1; they found a way," Stars coach Pete DeBoer commented. He recalled last year's Stanley Cup Finals, where a team down 3-0 forced a Game 7. "So we've got to win one game tomorrow night and then you know, kind of do or die in Edmonton in Game 6."
Historically, the Stars have only had one playoff series since 2006 that concluded in fewer than six games. That was during their successful run to the Western Conference final in 2020.
This marks Dallas' 23rd playoff series since their back-to-back first-round exits in 2004 and 2006. Notably, there were no playoffs in 2005 due to a lockout.
In injury news, Oilers forward Zach Hyman is set for surgery on an undisclosed right arm injury and is likely out for the remainder of the postseason. Hyman has been a significant contributor with 111 hits, leading all players in the playoffs.
Hyman's absence will be felt; he recorded 11 points in 15 playoff games before his injury during Game 4. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins continues to shine for Edmonton, achieving multiple points in every game of the Western final—a feat not seen in 35 years.
Even veteran Corey Perry has made an impact with six goals this postseason, matching a record for players aged 39 or older set by Teemu Selanne in 2011.
