Oilers Eliminate Stars in Game 5, Set Stage for Stanley Cup Final Rematch with Panthers.

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The Edmonton Oilers have secured their spot in the Stanley Cup Final for the second consecutive year after a commanding 6–3 victory over the Dallas Stars in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final. In a performance defined by speed, resilience, and depth scoring, the Oilers chased Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger from the net just over seven minutes into the game and never allowed Dallas to fully recover. Edmonton’s explosive start set the tone. Veteran Corey Perry scored a power-play goal less than three minutes into the game, and Mattias Janmark capitalized on a lazy Stars line change minutes later to make it 2–0. Jeff Skinner, playing in only his second playoff game after over 1,000 regular season appearances, added a third before the first intermission. By that point, the Oilers had scored on each of their first three shots, and Dallas was reeling. Despite pushback from Dallas—who narrowed the score to 3–2 and later to 4–3—Edmonton’s stars, including Connor McDavid and Evander Kane, responded within minutes each time. McDavid’s breakaway goal following Roope Hintz’s tally and Kane’s deflection after Jason Robertson’s second goal of the night demonstrated the Oilers’ resilience and ability to halt momentum swings. Game 5 also raised concerns for the Stars, particularly around coaching decisions and goaltending. Oettinger, pulled after allowing two goals on two shots, was replaced by Casey DeSmith, who didn’t fare much better. The early goaltending change by head coach Pete DeBoer was a desperation move that failed to slow the Oilers’ offensive rhythm. According to analyst Greg Wyshynski, “The Stars eventually doing something positive in the process of trying to dig out of their own grave, and frequently ceding momentum right back,” became the story of the series.

Looking ahead, Edmonton now prepares for a rematch of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers. Last season, the Panthers raced out to a 3–0 series lead before the Oilers stormed back to force a Game 7, ultimately falling short. This time, Edmonton enters the Final with improved defense, deeper secondary scoring, and more playoff maturity. However, the absence of forward Zach Hyman—Edmonton’s hits leader and one of its most productive playoff contributors—could be a significant challenge. Hyman’s physical style and scoring touch were instrumental last year against Florida. His status for the Final remains uncertain, and his absence may alter head coach Kris Knoblauch’s lineup strategy. Meanwhile, questions also surround the future of DeBoer in Dallas. While he’s led the team to three consecutive Western Conference Final appearances, his teams have failed to reach the Cup Final six times in the last eight seasons.

His inability to get over the hump may prompt general manager Jim Nill to consider changes, despite the team’s talent and success under his leadership. The Oilers’ win not only marks a return to hockey’s biggest stage but also sets the table for one of the most compelling rematches in recent memory. With McDavid, Draisaitl, and a rejuvenated roster, Edmonton will look to settle the score and capture its first Stanley Cup since 1990.