2024 NHL Playoffs: Winners and losers from Friday’s game action including Stuart Skinner.
The Edmonton Oilers defeated the Dallas Stars 3-1 in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final, pushing the top seed in the West to the brink of elimination. The win on Friday night puts the Oilers within one game of the Stanley Cup Final, a place they last visited in 2006.
If the Oilers can finish off the Stars on home ice at Rogers Place on Sunday night, it will mark the first time in his career that three-time NHL MVP Connor McDavid will play for the Stanley Cup. However, he’s not alone, as several key players in the Oilers lineup, including Leon Draisaitl, are also gunning for their first shot at the championship.
Before we jump the gun on potential Game 6 storylines, let’s discuss the winners and losers of Game 5 at American Airlines Center.
Winner: Stuart Skinner – Edmonton Oilers.
Stuart Skinner has faced his fair share of criticism this postseason, some warranted, and some exaggerated. But there’s no denying Skinner’s place in the line of heroes who have stepped up in crucial moments. The goalie came through Friday with 19 saves, nine in the third period, to backstop a huge road win. Although the Stars spoiled his shutout bid in Game 5 in the final minutes, his .950 save percentage Friday was the third-best total he’s produced in 15 playoff games this season.
One of the advantages the Stars are perceived to have in this series is with Jake Oettinger in goal. But he’s underwhelmed. And provided an opportunity to get within a game of the Stanley Cup Final, he allowed three goals in the first 25 minutes, forcing the Stars to chase the remainder of the night. Given the stakes, Dallas needed a bigger night from Oettinger, who finished with 23 saves and settled in after falling into a 3-0 hole.
