Skinner, McDavid Dominate as Oilers Clinch Trip to Stanley Cup Final – Hockey Writers – NHL News
The Edmonton Oilers outlasted the Dallas Stars to win Game 6 of the Western Conference Final, 2-1, and punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final.
You can't say that the Oilers' offense suffered much when they were outscored 35-10 in the game. But you can tell they made the most of their opportunities—riding the power play and strong defense and aiming all the way to victory.
Connor McDavid opened the scoring when he weaved his way through traffic in front of the net to beat Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger. That goal was Edmonton's first shot of the game.
The goal gave McDavid his 30th point in the playoffs, the second time he has reached the mark in his career. He hadn't finished writing them in pencil on the score sheet. Later in the first half, he set up Zach Hyman for a layup to extend the lead to 2-0.
Hyman scored his 14th goal, the most so far in this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Oilers scored on both power play opportunities and two of the game's first three shots.
Dallas continued to pound the net and midway through the third period, they finally broke through. On Dallas' 30th shot of the game, Mason Marchment scored to break the deadlock, making it 2-1.
However, time is running out, as the Oilers are clinging to victory and the two teams are set to shake hands.
Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner has played the game of his life so far, saving 34 of 35 shots in the practice game. The Oilers defense in front of him came to play again by blocking 20 shots.
The Stars did very well. Along with out-rebounding the Oilers, they won their faceoffs (56.6%) and out-rebounded their opponents (31 to 18). However, a lot went wrong. Stats that stand out is going 0-for-3 on the power play. It made the difference in a one-goal contest. As a result, they returned home in the offseason.
The Oilers are headed to their first Stanley Cup Final since 2006 and looking to win their first title since 1990. McDavid is also within striking distance of winning it all for the first time in his career. They will face the Florida Panthers.
Game 1 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final will take place on Saturday, June 8 at 8 pm
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