Stars Season Ends Against Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers clinched their second consecutive Western Conference championship on May 29, 2025, defeating the Dallas Stars 6-3 in Game 5 at American Airlines Center. With the win, Edmonton advances to a Stanley Cup Final rematch against the Florida Panthers, the team that bested them in seven games last year.

Oilers’ Early Surge Sets the Tone

Edmonton wasted no time asserting control, scoring three goals within the first 8:07 of the opening period. Corey Perry opened the scoring on a power play at 2:31, redirecting a pass from Connor McDavid for his seventh goal of the postseason—a record for players aged 39 or older. Mattias Janmark doubled the lead at 7:09, capitalizing on a breakaway, and Jeff Skinner extended it to 3-0 less than a minute later after a scramble in front of the Dallas net. The Stars responded by pulling starting goaltender Jake Oettinger after he allowed two goals on the first two shots, replacing him with Casey DeSmith.

Dallas Attempts a Comeback

Jason Robertson put Dallas on the board at 11:40 of the first period, narrowing the gap to 3-1 after a forced turnover by Wyatt Johnston. The Stars continued to press in the second period, with Roope Hintz scoring a power-play goal at 12:27 to bring the score to 3-2. However, McDavid restored Edmonton’s two-goal cushion less than two minutes later, converting a breakaway after a blocked shot by Mattias Ekholm sent him racing past the Dallas defense.

Third Period: Oilers Seal the Victory

Robertson struck again for the Stars just 38 seconds into the third period, making it 4-3 and giving Dallas hope for a comeback. That momentum was short-lived, as Evander Kane restored Edmonton’s two-goal lead at 3:21, banking a shot off defenseman Esa Lindell from below the goal line. Kasperi Kapanen added an empty-net goal in the final minute, securing the 6-3 win and the series for the Oilers.

Key Performers

• Edmonton Oilers:

  • Connor McDavid: 1 goal, 1 assist

  • Corey Perry: 1 goal (power play)

  • Mattias Janmark, Jeff Skinner, Evander Kane, Kasperi Kapanen: 1 goal each

  • Stuart Skinner: 14 saves

• Dallas Stars:

  • Jason Robertson: 2 goals

  • Roope Hintz: 1 goal (power play)

  • Wyatt Johnston, Thomas Harley: 2 assists each

  • Jake Oettinger: 2 goals allowed on 2 shots

  • Casey DeSmith: 17 saves in relief

Postgame Notes

The Oilers’ ability to capitalize early and respond to Dallas’s pushes proved decisive. Edmonton scored on its first two shots and maintained composure even as the Stars narrowed the deficit multiple times. Dallas, meanwhile, was forced to chase the game from the outset—a trend that coach Pete DeBoer noted as a recurring issue throughout the series.

With the win, Edmonton earns a rematch with Florida in the Stanley Cup Final, beginning June 4 in Edmonton. The Stars, meanwhile, see their season end in the Western Conference Final for the third consecutive year.