Oilers oust Stars to set up Stanley Cup Final rematch vs. Panthers
The Edmonton Oilers are heading back to the Stanley Cup Final after eliminating the Dallas Stars in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final, sealing a 6-3 win and clinching the best-of-seven series 4-1.
Led by Connor McDavid, who delivered a goal and an assist, the Oilers are now set to face the Florida Panthers in a blockbuster Stanley Cup Final rematch — their second consecutive meeting on hockey's biggest stage.
The Oilers struck early and often, stunning the Stars with three goals in the first eight minutes of play. Veteran forward Corey Perry and Mattias Janmark scored on Edmonton’s first two shots, chasing Dallas goaltender Jake Oettinger from the net before fans had even settled into their seats.
A relentless offensive start gave Edmonton a 3-0 lead that proved insurmountable, even as the Stars attempted to claw their way back into the game.
McDavid hits major Milestone, delivers game-winner
Connor McDavid, the Oilers' captain and NHL superstar, not only tallied the eventual game-winning goal on a second-period breakaway but also earned his 100th career playoff assist on Perry’s opening power-play goal.
According to Sportsnet Stats, McDavid achieved the 100-assist milestone in just 90 playoff games, making him the second-fastest in NHL history behind only Wayne Gretzky (70 games).
McDavid’s speed, vision, and control proved too much for Dallas to contain throughout the series.
Related News: Panthers clinch third consecutive Stanley Cup Finals berth with win over Hurricanes
Despite falling into a 3-0 hole, Dallas showed resilience. Goals from Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson brought the Stars within striking distance at 3-2 and 4-3 respectively. But the Oilers responded quickly each time.
- McDavid’s breakaway goal came just two minutes after Hintz’s score.
- Evander Kane restored the two-goal cushion less than three minutes after Robertson scored 38 seconds into the third period.
- Kasperi Kapanen iced the game with an empty-net goal, putting the result beyond doubt.
Stanley Cup Final: Panthers vs. Oilers II
The Oilers now advance to face the Florida Panthers in a highly anticipated rematch of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, where Florida emerged victorious in six games. Edmonton will have home-ice advantage this time.
- Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final 2025 is scheduled for Wednesday, June 4, at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
- All games will begin at 8:00 PM ET, broadcast on NHL Network.
Can the Oilers exact revenge and claim their first Stanley Cup since 1990, or will the Panthers cement their dominance with back-to-back titles?
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