Edmonton Oilers shut out Dallas Stars 3-0 to even Western Conference Final

Edmonton Oilers even the Western Conference final with a 3-0 win over the Dallas Stars in Game 2, thanks to Connor Brown's goal after being hit in the mouth by a skate and Stuart Skinner's 25 saves for his third shutout of the postseason. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had another power-play goal for the Oilers, who go home for Game 3 on Sunday.

The Edmonton Oilers have evened their Western Conference Final series with a decisive 3-0 win over the Dallas Stars in Game 2, played at the American Airlines Center on Friday, May 24, 2025. The victory was secured despite a challenging start for the Oilers, who had to overcome a 2-0 deficit in the first period.

The Oilers' resilience was evident throughout the game, with key contributions from Connor Brown and Stuart Skinner. Brown, who was considered a game-time decision due to an undisclosed injury [2], scored the game-winning goal in the second period. His deflection of a Ryan Nugent-Hopkins shot extended the Oilers' lead to 3-0, which proved to be the final score.

Skinner, the Oilers' goaltender, was exceptional in net, making 25 saves for his third shutout of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This performance solidified his place as a key player in the team's success, as he has now tied the franchise record for shutouts in a playoff year, equaling the mark set by Curtis Joseph in 1998 [4].

The Oilers' power play was a significant factor in their victory. Nugent-Hopkins scored the opening goal of the game, redirecting a shot from Evan Bouchard on the power play at 5:51 of the first period. Brett Kulak doubled the Oilers' lead at 15:23 of the second period, converting his own rebound after a shot was initially blocked by Dallas forward Mikko Rantanen.

The Stars, who had won seven straight home playoff games going into Game 2, were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. Jake Oettinger, the Dallas goalie, stopped 22 shots but was unable to prevent the Oilers' power play goals.

The Oilers' win sets the stage for Game 3 of the best-of-seven series, which will be held in Edmonton on Sunday, May 26, 2025. The Oilers have shown their ability to bounce back from setbacks, as evidenced by their 4-3 comeback against the Los Angeles Kings in Game 1 of the first round [1].

References:
[1] https://www.nhl.com/news/edmonton-oilers-seek-redemption-in-game-2-of-western-conference-final
[2] https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/oilers_connor_brown_game_time_decision_for_opener_vs_stars/s1_17050_42225838
[3] https://www.nhl.com/news/edmonton-oilers-dallas-stars-game-2-recap-may-23
[4] https://www.reuters.com/sports/nhl/stuart-skinner-blanks-dallas-oilers-even-conference-finals-2025-05-24/