*Photo from CTV News Edmonton*
Edmonton leads series 1-0
What a way to start a series. Zach Hyman had a goal and an assist, Connor McDavid scored the game winning goal, and the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Dallas Stars with a 3-2 victory Thursday night in Dallas.
The series opener of the western conference final took extra time, requiring two overtimes to settle. The Oilers won the marathon this time around, jumping out to the early series lead over the Stars. Both Hyman and McDavid had a goal and an assist to pace the Oilers on the scoresheet.
Edmonton defenseman Mattias Ekholm said of the win that "I thought we matched up good. I thought we played really well, at times they had the upper hand at times we had the upper hand. That’s the way it’s supposed to be in the playoffs. I really enjoyed the way we played Game 1, but again, it’s one win. Doesn’t really matter in the long run. We have to be ready to go in Game 2."
Leon Draisaitl opened the scoring just 58 seconds into the second period for the Oilers after a scoreless first period, assisted by Hyman and Brett Kulak on his 9th goal of the playoffs. Hyman doubled the Oilers lead 4:17 into the second, scoring his 12th goal of the playoffs with McDavid getting the lone assist.
Tyler Seguin scored almost two minutes after Hyman did, getting the Stars on the board with his 4th goal of the playoffs. Seguin scored again at the 16:37 mark of the 3rd period, tying the game 2-2 and forcing overtime. After a scoreless overtime, it was on to double OT, where McDavid scored 32 seconds into the second OT to give Edmonton the win.
McDavid said of his double OT goal that "It was nice to score in overtime. A big goal, great play by Bouchard as usual. You’ve got to win tight games. We’re down to the final four teams. You don’t get to the final four without being a great team, so all four teams are solid. Dallas is a great team. It’s going to be tight hockey."
Drawing the start for the Oilers between the pipes was Stuart Skinner, who was able to get the win, his 3rd straight dating back to game 6 of the second round. Skinner made 31 saves on 33 shots by the Stars, posting a .939 save percentage.
Getting the start on the other end of the ice for the Stars was Jake Oettinger, who couldn't get off on the right foot in the win column. Oettinger still played well, stopping 35 of the 38 shots the Oilers tested him with, good for a .921 save percentage.
Seguin said of the loss that "We played a good enough game to win, and so did they. It's inches out there. I thought it was a great hockey game, and we've been here many times. Two teams here in the West that are here for a reason, so it’s going to be little inches out there, little bounces. It’s going to be a fun opportunity and we’ve got to win the next one at home."
The series remains in Dallas for game two, with the second game set for Saturday night. The Oilers will try to stake themselves to a two game series lead on the road, while the Stars will try to even the series and force at least a 5th game, which would be back in Dallas.
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