Edmonton Oilers' Kasperi Kapanen (42) celebrates a goal agonist the Dallas Stars during third period NHL Western Conference final playoff action, in Edmonton on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
The Edmonton Oilers are now just one win away from a return to the Stanley Cup Final. In a tense and physical Game 4 against the Dallas Stars, they came out on top with a 4-1 victory. The win gives Edmonton a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference Final series.
Goalie Stuart Skinner Steals the Show Again
Once again, Stuart Skinner was the backbone of the Oilers' success. The 25-year-old goalie stood tall under intense pressure from the Stars. Dallas came out fast and hungry, especially in the first period, but Skinner turned aside 17 shots in the opening frame alone. He finished the night with 28 saves.
Skinner now has three shutouts in his last eight playoff games. In two others, including Game 4, he gave up just one goal.
“He’s definitely been that guy for us,” said Oilers defenseman Brett Kulak. “Your goalie has to be your best player to win in the playoffs.”
Skinner downplayed his performance but admitted he was “feeling good” and just focused on giving his team the best chance.
Draisaitl Sets the Tone Early
Leon Draisaitl opened the scoring on a first-period power play, giving the Oilers early momentum. Though the Stars pushed hard and controlled stretches of the game, Edmonton stayed composed and resilient.
“There are going to be momentum swings,” said Draisaitl. “They’re a great team. We’re just staying with it.”
Defensive Wall Shuts Down Stars’ Top Line
Edmonton’s blue line deserves just as much credit. The Oilers’ defense kept Dallas’ top trio of Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Mikko Rantanen quiet all night. The three combined for just six shots — none from Hintz. Robertson scored the Stars’ lone goal on a power play, but that was all they could muster.
“We’re just trying to take away time and space,” Kulak said. “Positionally, we’re doing a good job.”
That tight defensive structure has been key throughout the series. Rantanen, who entered the conference final as the league's leading scorer with 19 points, has been held to just two assists through four games.
Power Play and Grit Push Oilers Ahead
Veteran forward Corey Perry netted Edmonton’s second goal — another power-play strike. From that point on, the Oilers tightened up and weathered every Dallas push.
The third period was a test of nerves, but Edmonton didn’t break. The Stars kept pressing, but the Oilers blocked shots, clogged passing lanes, and made life difficult.
Kasperi Kapanen finally gave the Oilers breathing room with an empty-net goal late in the third. Just 30 seconds later, Connor McDavid added another into an open cage to seal the 4-1 win.
One Win Away from the Stanley Cup Final
With the win, Edmonton now holds a 3-1 series lead. History is on their side — teams that go up 3-1 in a best-of-seven series win 91% of the time.
The Oilers know the job isn’t finished, but they are in control.
“It shows a lot of courage, the way our guys are blocking shots,” Skinner said.
The Stars face elimination in Game 5. For Edmonton, it’s a chance to punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final for the second time in three years.
