With just over five and a half minutes left in the first period, Wyatt Johnston got in behind the Oilers’ defence for a breakaway, beating Stuart Skinner on the forehand for the opening goal.
The game stood that way until just over five minutes into the second period, as the Stars had a nice passing play that ended on the stick of Jason Robertson, who was all alone beside the net for the 2-0 lead.
Shortly after an Oilers power play ended midway through the middle frame, a Darnell Nurse shot missed the net badly, leading to a 2-on-1. Robertson put it five-hole on Skinner, giving the Stars a 3-0 lead and essentially ending the game. Or so I wrote before the third period.
On a five-on-three with four and a half minutes left in the second period, Robertson scored a hat trick with a nice deflection in the slot. It was less than ideal, to say the least.
Midway through the third period, Jake Walman’s shot missed the net, but Corey Perry was able to bang it in to break up Jake Oettinger’s shutout and score his 16th of the season.
The Oilers made it a game with just over six minutes left in the game, as Adam Henrique ripped one off the post and in to cut the Stars’ lead in half. It was his second power play goal in as many games and the Oilers should consider him for the first power play unit.
With 85 seconds left in the game, Evan Bouchard shifted a wrister on net, with the rebound falling to Zach Hyman, who was able to slam it five-hole on Oettinger to make it 4-3. Unfortunately, the Oilers couldn’t find the game-tying goal, but a good effort nonetheless.
Takeaways…
Edmonton lost this game in the valley. They had a good start to the game, outshooting the Stars 14-5 in the first period and dominating play. However, they dipped in the second period, allowing three Jason Robertson goals, including the game-winner late in the second. The second peak was the third period, as they made it a game with their three goals in the period. Hence the valley.
Sadly, the injuries continue to pile up. Early in the second period, Zach Hyman got tangled up with a star, and he went down awkwardly with his knee pinned between the Stars’ legs. He went down the tunnel but thankfully returned. Hopefully, this isn’t a nagging issue.
For the second time in three starts, Stuart Skinner left the game after getting hit in the head. This one is a bit more worrisome, as Mikko Rantanen got him with his thigh as he was chasing a puck in the corner. It didn’t seem intentional.
Shortly after, with Calvin Pickard in the net, Sam Steel and Jake Walman were tangled, and Steel ran into Pickard. Although the Oilers would’ve had a five-on-three power play, Walman took a roughing penalty.
Last season’s Western Conference Final had maybe one scrum in the six games, but the same cannot be said about tonight. Had the Oilers not come back late in the third period, this game would have been a powder keg about to blow. Maybe they’ll meet in the Western Conference Finals again.
The Oilers had six power plays in this game, scoring two of their three goals on the man advantage. That’s the second straight game they’ve scored two power play goals.
It won’t be long until the Oilers return to action, as they head to Seattle to face the Kraken in a rematch from last Saturday tomorrow. Expect Calvin Pickard to start that game.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Oilersnation, FlamesNation, and Blue Jays Nation. They can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.
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