Oilers take 3-2 series lead vs Stars, one game away from the final

The Edmonton Oilers are on the brink of returning to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2006 after a 3-1 victory over the Dallas Stars on Friday. This win gives the Oilers a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference final.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was instrumental, scoring two power-play goals—the first power-play goals by either team in the series. Philip Broberg added his first career playoff goal, and Stuart Skinner made 19 saves for the Oilers. Edmonton will have a chance to clinch the series at home on Sunday night.

Edmonton executed an almost flawless game, limiting the Stars to just 10 shots on goal through the first two periods. Nugent-Hopkins, the longest-serving Oiler and the first overall draft pick in 2011, scored his first power-play goal at 14:09 of the first period by chipping in a backhanded rebound. He then doubled the lead early in the second period with a shot that deflected off the post and into the net, marking his sixth goal of the playoffs. Broberg extended the lead to 3-0 at 5:09 of the second period with a long slap shot, marking his milestone goal.

Wyatt Johnston managed to score for the Stars with 5:51 remaining in regulation, ending Skinner’s shutout streak at 108 minutes and 43 seconds. Johnston’s goal, his 10th of the playoffs, was the only one for the Stars, whose goaltender Jake Oettinger stopped 23 shots.

WON GAME 5⃣ FEELIN’ ALIVE

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The #Oilers defeat the Stars 3-1 in Game 5 to take a 3-2 series lead in the Western Conference Final.#LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/eLMU5GUbhG

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) June 1, 2024

The Stars, who were the top team in the conference during the regular season, now face elimination after losing two consecutive games. The Oilers will look to close out the series and advance to the Stanley Cup Final in their next game.