By Kate Aitchison
For the first time since 2006, the Edmonton Oilers secured their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final. Scoring two points against the Dallas Stars, who trailed with one point, confirmed Edmonton’s spot to play for the title. It was a tight series, ending on June 2, 2024, at Rogers Place, with the Oilers winning the series 4-2. They came out on top in the Western Conference, showing they are a team to watch.
The game opened hot with Connor McDavid making a beautiful individual power play, securing the first goal within the first five minutes. This play was made for highlight reels and was one of the best goals in his career.
Almost exactly 10 minutes later, Zach Hyman showed up. McDavid was ready to keep moving the score, giving Hyman a pass that he moved into the goal. This was his 14th goal, putting Hyman on top as the player with the most goals scored in the league playoffs.
Edmonton sat at 2-0 ending the first period, with three attempted shots compared to Dallas’s 12 shots. Both teams were scoreless in the second period. The third period looked as if it would be the same until halfway through when the Stars scored.
Mason Marchment took a shot and missed, but Tyler Seguin slid it back for an open net shot. This was the final score made in this game, leaving the Oilers to take the win at 2-1.
Stuart Skinner had a huge night, saving 34 of the 35 shots sent his way. The young goalie has caught flak for mistakes earlier in the season that did not live up to spectators’ standards. A goalie’s performance decides the success of the team. After this series, Skinner’s talent is undeniable, but time will tell if he can keep up in the big games to come.
The Edmonton Oilers look to face the Florida Panthers on June 8, 2024.
