The Dallas Stars had a chance to take a 3-2 series lead in the 2024 Western Conference Finals on Friday night. But instead, they are now chasing the Edmonton Oilers. Edmonton emerged victorious on Friday in Dallas and is now one win from the Stanley Cup Final. After the game, coach Pete DeBoer was certainly not pleased.
The veteran bench boss addressed the media as he usually does after games. He fielded a question that seemed to criticize the team's effort level during what they called a “lifeless” second period. The Stars head coach was having absolutely none of it.
“Listen, there's always some things you can do better. You know, you can sit here and question our character if you want. You haven't been around all year. I haven't seen you here all year,” DeBoer said, via B/R Open Ice. “That's what you're doing. I'm not going to do it. You can go ahead and write whatever the f**k you want.”
Stars can't topple Oilers
The Oilers took control of the game from the get-go. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins continued his team's lethal power play productivity going with a first-period goal. Dallas kept Edmonton off the board for the remainder of the opening frame. But the Stars couldn't keep this offense at bay for long.
In the second period, the Oilers struck again. Nugent-Hopkins scored his second of the game a little over a minute in. A few minutes later, young defenseman Philip Broberg scored his first goal of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Edmonton had a 3-0 lead and controlled play for most of the game.
Dallas struck back in the third period. Wyatt Johnston continued his torrid postseason with his 10th goal. But in the end, it wasn't enough. The Stars could not get any more pucks past Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner. As a result, they fell 3-1 on home ice and now trail 3-2 in the 2024 Western Conference Finals.
Stars' backs against the wall
The Stars had a prime opportunity to take a crucial 3-2 series lead on Friday. But once again, they failed to capitalize and win at home in the big moments. Now, their backs are against the wall. Dallas has to win in Game 6 in Edmonton and in Game 7 back at home if they want to advance.
The Stars certainly have the talent to do it. But their struggles on home ice are certainly concerning. Dallas has a less than .500 record at home during these Stanley Cup Playoffs. They have dropped important games at home in the past and overcome that. However, they can't afford another poor performance at home.
The Stars have played well on the road, though. In fact, their loss in Game 4 against the Oilers marked just their second road loss of the postseason. That said, the Oilers have also played well in front of their home fans. They have won five of their eight home contests to this point in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Home ice advantage could certainly come into play on Sunday night. But the Stars and Oilers are both heading into an environment they are comfortable with. Pete DeBoer and his team have a slim margin for error, though. And no matter what, Game 6 is going to be a must-see game of hockey. Let's see who emerges victorious between these teams as the stakes rise on Sunday night.
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