EDMONTON — The Edmonton Oilers’ power play has been struggling in the Western Conference final, going goalless in their last three games. In fact, they have only scored one goal in their last 16 power-play opportunities dating back to the second round against the Vancouver Canucks. Despite their limited chances in this series, the Oilers know they need to capitalize on the power play if they want to advance past the Dallas Stars.
So far, the Oilers have only had five power-play chances in this series, with just nine shots on net. However, they have had their opportunities, with Connor McDavid setting up Leon Draisaitl for a one-timer that was stopped by Stars goalie Jake Oettinger. Coach Kris Knoblauch was pleased with their attack on the power play and believes that they just need to continue doing what they’ve been doing to find success.
The Oilers’ power play success rate has dropped from 48.3 percent before this dry spell to 33.3 percent now. Despite the recent struggles, Knoblauch is not concerned and believes that the power play will bounce back. However, the Oilers need more production from their power play against the Stars if they want to have a chance at winning the series.
While the Oilers’ power play has been struggling, Roope Hintz of the Dallas Stars has been quietly making a big impact. Hintz has scored 104 goals over the last three seasons while also excelling defensively. He is a top penalty killer and power-play specialist for the Stars, yet he remains relatively unknown outside of Dallas. His return to the lineup in Game 3 had a significant impact, as he picked up two primary assists on goals by Jason Robertson. Hintz’s performance showcased his skills and potential as an elite player in the league.
The Oilers have been struggling in the third period of games in this series. They have entered the second intermission tied four times and have lost each of those games. This is a concerning trend for a team in the final four of the playoffs. The Oilers were successful in closing out games during the regular season, but they have lost that consistency lately. They will need to find a way to turn things around in the third period if they want to come out on top against the Stars.
The Stars have been playing a physical and disciplined game against the Oilers. They have been avoiding penalties and trying to limit any post-whistle skirmishes. This strategy is likely aimed at neutralizing the Oilers’ dangerous power play. While the Oilers have been lobbying for more calls, the Stars have remained focused on playing whistle to whistle. Their disciplined approach has made them a frustrating team to play against, as they defend hard and play heavy.
Despite being outscored by the Stars in this series, the Oilers have been the better team at five-on-five when looking at underlying numbers. However, their defensive effort in Game 3 was their worst so far, as they allowed three goals in a short span. The Stars pose a different challenge for the Oilers due to their depth and ability to attack quickly from their defensive zone. The Oilers will need to tighten up defensively and eliminate self-inflicted breakdowns if they want to succeed against the Stars.
In Game 2, Jason Robertson scored a game-winning goal that may have seemed lucky at first glance. However, Robertson revealed that it was a move he had been working on in practice with goalie coach Jeff Reese and goalies Jake Oettinger and Scott Wedgewood. Robertson’s analytical approach to scoring goals and his collaboration with the goalie coach have helped him find success.
Overall, the Oilers’ power play needs to improve if they want to beat the Stars. Their struggles in the third period and defensive breakdowns are also areas that need attention. Meanwhile, players like Roope Hintz continue to make a significant impact for the Stars, even if they fly under the radar. The series between the Oilers and the Stars promises to be a hard-fought battle, with both teams looking to capitalize on their strengths and exploit their opponents’ weaknesses.