The Edmonton Oilers are one win away from the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. Goalie Stuart Skinner allowed just one goal against the Dallas Stars on Friday. This allowed forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to lead his team to victory on the strength of two power-play goals.
After Game 5, Skinner was asked about preparing for a pressure-packed Game 6. He and his team are heading into a Game 6 matchup at home against one of the best teams on the road in these Stanley Cup Playoffs. But the Oilers goalie showed no signs of letting the pressure get to him on Friday night.
“Tomorrow I get to live my life and go on the plane and beat (his teammates) at Mario Kart. I'll probably get a couple 1st places. I'm sure of it,” he said, via ESPN's Greg Wyshynski. “Right now, I’m Toad. But honestly I could be anybody.”
Stuart Skinner tested little by Stars
The Oilers had control of Game 5 for most of the contest. Nugent-Hopkins scored his first of two goals in the first period to give them an early lead. He scored once again in the opening minutes of the second period, as well. Later, Philip Broberg scored his first of the playoffs to give them a 3-0 lead.
Skinner allowed one goal in the third period. Stars star Wyatt Johnston scored his 10th of the Stanley Cup Playoffs to give Dallas some life. But it was too little, too late. The Stars managed just the one goal as they fell on Friday night in front of their home fans.
Part of the problem for Dallas in Game 5 was their inability to generate chances. Skinner made 19 saves during the game on Friday night. But he only faced 20 shots while in goal. The Stars had issues retaining the puck, as well, as they had eight giveaways compared to Edmonton's four.
In all, the Stars couldn't match the Oilers offensively. And in a battle of offenses, the Oilers are equipped to win in the long run. As a result, they have their future in the Stanley Cup Playoffs squarely in their hands.
Oilers control their fate
The Oilers are in an interesting position moving forward. After winning Game 4, they faced a rough road ahead. They had to win two of their next three games, with two of those games being on the road. Now, they need one more win from their remaining two games. And the situation is rather unique.
Home-ice advantage can be a legitimate factor in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. And so far, the Oilers have done well with the crowd behind them. Edmonton has won five of their eight home games in this postseason. However, the Stars have thrived away from home during these playoffs.
The Stars have won six of their road games so far. In fact, Dallas losing Game 4 in Edmonton was just their second road loss during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. If the stakes weren't already high, this creates another layer of potential drama before the puck even drops on Sunday.
The Oilers and Stars were always an intriguing matchup. One of the league's best offenses taking on one of the stingiest defenses with a trip to the Stanley Cup Final on the line? That's must-see hockey. Now throw in the fact that Dallas and Edmonton are both playing a high-stakes Game 6 in an environment where they both perform well. This is certainly a game no hockey fan will want to miss on Sunday night.
Follow Us
Subscribe