The Edmonton Oilers bounced back in a big way Friday night, shutting out the Dallas Stars 3-0 to even up their Western Conference Finals series at one game apiece.
Stuart Skinner put on a show in net, stopping all 25 shots for his third shutout of these playoffs.
It’s been a wild ride for the young goalie. In seven playoff games, he’s either been absolutely brilliant or struggled badly – there’s been no in-between. In the four games where he wasn’t perfect, he let in at least four goals with a save percentage under .833.
“When he’s on, he’s really on,” said head coach Jay Woodcroft. “Tonight was one of those nights.”
The win was extra special because the Oilers’ depth players stepped up big time. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Connor Brown, and Brett Kulak scored the goals, while superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl combined for just two assists.
That’s huge for Edmonton. For years, they’ve lived and died by McDavid and Draisaitl’s performances. Getting scoring from other players could be the key to a deep playoff run.
But the game wasn’t without controversy.
Early in the third period, Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse delivered a nasty slash to Stars forward Roope Hintz’s ankle. Hintz had to leave the game and couldn’t put any weight on his leg.
The NHL’s Department of Player Safety will likely take a close look at that play.
The series now heads back to Edmonton, where the Oilers will look to grab their first lead. Game 3 is set for Monday night at Rogers Place.
