Edmonton Oilers right wing Vasily Podkolzin (92) moves the puck past Dallas Stars centre Wyatt Johnston (53) during the second period in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Dallas.
The Dallas Stars launched a thrilling third-period rally to defeat the Edmonton Oilers 6-3 in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final on Wednesday night.
What looked like a solid Oilers lead turned into a stunning collapse as the Stars netted three power-play goals in under six minutes early in the final period.
Power Play Sparks Dramatic Turnaround
Dallas entered the third period trailing 3-1 but with a power play opportunity carrying over from the second. Just 32 seconds into the period, Miro Heiskanen kicked off the comeback with a goal. Moments later, Mikael Granlund tied the game, injecting energy into the home crowd.
Matt Duchene followed with a gritty, second-effort goal that gave Dallas a 4-3 lead — one they never relinquished. The power play, which had haunted Dallas in last year’s Western Conference Final loss, became the game-changer.
Redemption from Last Year's Power-Play Woes
Last season, the Stars struggled on the man advantage, going 0-for-14 in the West Final and giving up two short-handed goals. But this time, they flipped the script. After missing an early opportunity in the first period, Dallas delivered when it mattered most — scoring all three key goals while up a man.
Stars’ Offense Shines in Crunch Time
Tyler Seguin led the charge with two goals and an assist, proving vital in all three zones. Esa Lindell sealed the win with an empty-netter that sailed nearly the length of the ice. It was the type of offensive depth Dallas has relied on all season.
Heiskanen’s goal started the rally, Granlund added the equalizer, and Duchene’s finish gave the Stars control. The Oilers, who looked in command for most of the first two periods, were suddenly playing catch-up.
Oilers Falter After Early Control
The Oilers had entered Game 1 well-rested, having closed out their previous series a week earlier. Early on, that rest appeared to pay off.
Leon Draisaitl had a strong night, contributing a goal and two assists. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins added a power-play goal and one assist, while Evan Bouchard scored his fifth of the postseason. Superstar Connor McDavid was held without a goal but managed two assists.
Despite their strong start, Edmonton struggled to match Dallas' urgency in the final period. The Oilers were outshot and outplayed once the Stars turned on the pressure.
Game 2 Set for Friday Night in Dallas
With momentum on their side, the Stars will look to build on this electric comeback in Game 2, set for Friday night. Edmonton, meanwhile, will need to regroup and find answers for Dallas’ suddenly potent power play. The pressure is on for the Oilers to avoid falling into a 2-0 series hole.
This Western Conference Final rematch is already delivering high-stakes drama. If Game 1 is any indication, hockey fans are in for a wild series.
