Written by Graeme on Friday, May 23rd, 2025
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Weeelllll….the Carolina Hurricanes look like they are in said deep, deep trouble.
No shame in losing – but the way it has happened two games in a row now? Yikes. They need a miracle to turn things around. Thankfully in hockey, a “miracle” just means a goaltender getting hot – and Freddie HAS proven himself these playoffs. He just needs to get that going again.
Although I must admit, it’s not looking likely.
Game 2 of the Stars vs Oilers series is tonight. Quick note I’m away this weekend but hopefully shouldn’t be an issue – at worst if I am in a rush I’ll get Scott to post his thoughts.
Scott: The Oilers were looking good in game 1. McDavid was flying around at full speed making players look silly and Draisaitl was doing his thing with a goal and 2 assists before the 3rd.
The Oilers were up 3-1 after the 2nd. But then everything fell apart in the 3rd for Edmonton.
The Stars scored 5 goals in the 3rd including 3 powerplay goals in a 5:26 span and didn’t look back.
It’s hard to fault Skinner too much as sure he let in 5 goals but 3 of them his team was shorthanded.
The Stars saw Heiskanen and Duchene score their first goals of this postseason which is huge for them and if they can get them going it’s only going to strengthen their offense.
The Stars won their 7th consecutive home game and with them still in Dallas, and riding the momentum of that come from behind win, I’ll take them here.
Stars win incl OT
Graeme: Goaltending is unfortunately, a key point in both conference finals. And for both the Oilers and Canes, it’s a real lack of goaltending. In saying that, Skinner was hung out to dry a fair but by his defense, and all the penalties. They need to be a bit more disciplined in this game I’d say – but then do the Stars abuse that?
Oilers had better offensive metrics and actually better defensive metrics too.
I’m not a big fan of backing Stuart Skinner, but the guy DID record two back to back shutouts. And it’s quite easy to look at that game and blame it on the penalty kill unit.
The concern there is any PP the Stars get they will be ridiculously confident. And if they manage to score on the first one – ugh.
Anyway – Oilers should be good for a few goals. So when you add the combo of more discipline, and hopefully Skinner and the defense getting their shit together, I’d say it’s fine to back the Oilers.
Oilers incl OT
To WIN moneyline: Oilers
Oilers owned Game 1 for the first 40 minutes, then for some cosmically confusing reason they frazzled the third period with a slew of stupid penalties and scrambling defense. That shut down their efforts on offense and Dallas took their opportunity. If you remove the three quick 3rd period powerplay goals and the empty net goal, Oilers win 3-2 or something similar, 4-2, 4-3, etc.
With the Oilers proven ability to provide a shut-down defense, as one of several ways they can play, they will have taken their day off to shake off the weirdness of that third period and will show up tonight far better composed. This is old stuff for Edmonton’s group. Rebound by adjusting fast. Dallas will be relentless with what they have but I see the Oilers with the edge here.
Edmonton’s roster must realize that there is no letting up for a second for the rest of the season; a lead means nothing; keep on the attack on offense and defense until the referee kicks you off the ice.