Connor McDavid, Stuart Skinner anchor dominant Game 3 victory by Edmonton Oilers over Dallas Stars
Edmonton Oilers vs Dallas Stars (via Getty Images)
Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid and substitute goalie Stuart Skinner were the stars of the show on Sunday evening as the Oilers beat up Dallas Stars 6-1 in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final at Rogers Place.
Despite a great effort on paper by the Stars, the team now trails 2-1 in the series and must come out Tuesday in Game 4 to avoid a tough playoff climb.
Edmonton Oilers shine brighter than Dallas Stars despite statistical edge in Game 3
NHL Game 3 Highlights | Stars vs. Oilers - May 25, 2025
Connor McDavid gave a masterclass in leadership and attack play, while Stuart Skinner rescued his team in goal, stumping the Dallas Stars at every turn. Despite the advantage in shots (34-24) and taking the reins in the middle period (21-7 in shots), the Stars left Edmonton with more questions than answers.
The Oilers were off to a flying start, with two goals in the first period within 36 seconds, including a breakaway transition highlight-reel play by Connor McDavid, who initiated and capped the breakaway. Defenceman Evan Bouchard opened the scoring with a blue-line laser that created momentum that snowballed throughout the night. Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson managed to reduce the deficit to 2-1 with a tip on a Lian Bichsel shot.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
New Container Houses Morocco (Prices May Surprise You)
Container House | Search ads
Search Now
Undo
And yet again, Connor McDavid went and did it with 19 seconds remaining in the second period, and the game was swung in an irretrievable direction. Goalie Stuart Skinner had one of his finest playoff games as the 25-year-old stopped 33 shots and kept the Oilers in front even through Dallas' best moments.
'I think Skinner was the difference-maker,' Dallas Stars winger Mikko Rantanen said. 'He was the MVP of the match, I would say.'
On the opposite end, Dallas Stars goalie Jake Oettinger had his worst performance of the playoffs, giving up six goals on just 24 shots. Despite the one-sided score, Stars coach Pete DeBoer supported his goaltender.
'We wouldn't be sitting here in the conference finals without Jake Oettinger and how he's played,' DeBoer said. 'Tonight was one of those games where they were opportunistic, and then once they got the lead, we're pushing to get back in and then there's grade-A's the other way.
One thing I know about Jake Oettinger is he's one of the best response goalies in the league.'
Dallas also lacked the services of top-line center Roope Hintz, who remains out with an injury he suffered in Game 2. The team did some line combination shuffling, moving Mikael Granlund to center and supplementing the fourth line by adding Oskar Back, one of the more successful lines.
Also read:
Edmonton Oilers back home for pivotal Game 3 and 4 series against Dallas Stars in NHL Western Conference
As the Dallas Stars face a difficult series, they continue to show determination to win one away game and come home with momentum, but their current struggles with Connor McDavid and Stuart Skinner will make it challenging.
Get
IPL 2025
match
schedules
,
squads
,
points table
, and live scores for
CSK
,
MI
,
RCB
,
KKR
,
SRH
,
LSG
,
DC
,
GT
,
PBKS
, and
RR
. Check the latest
IPL Orange Cap
and
Purple Cap
standings.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Evan Bouchard makes powerful move as Edmonton Oilers hand him four year $42 million contract
Evan Bouchard makes powerful move as Edmonton Oilers hand him four year $42 million contract (Image via Getty) The Edmonton Oilers have made a big move right before the free agent window opens. Fans were wondering what the team would do next. The news came out on Monday, but not directly from the team at first. Reports started spreading quickly online. Everyone began talking about one name, Evan Bouchard. His future with the Oilers was uncertain, but now a big decision has been made that surprised many fans and experts. Evan Bouchard signs long-term deal to stay with Edmonton Oilers On Monday, July 1, 2025, Evan Bouchard, a top defenseman for the Edmonton Oilers, signed a four-year contract worth $42 million. This was confirmed by trusted outlets like Sportsnet and TSN. The deal comes just one day before the NHL free agent market officially opens on Tuesday. Bouchard was about to become a restricted free agent. The 25-year-old player from Oakville, Ontario, will now earn an average of $10.5 million each season, a major increase from his last contract's $3.9 million cap hit. Bouchard was drafted 10th overall by Edmonton in 2018 and has become a key part of the team's success. He helped lead the Oilers to back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances. Last season, Bouchard had a career-best performance with 18 goals and 64 assists in 81 games. He followed that with 32 points in 25 playoff games. Only one defenseman in NHL history, Bobby Orr, has a higher average for points per playoff game than Bouchard's 1.08. Evan Bouchard's playoff success and team future Evan Bouchard's strong shot from the blue line, known as the 'Bouch Bomb,' has become one of Edmonton's best weapons. After the deal, many fans and experts praised the team's decision to keep him long term. Bouchard has not made a public statement yet, but Oilers insider Mark Spector tweeted, 'Big win for the Oilers. Bouchard is a core piece.' Also on Monday, the Oilers signed winger Kasperi Kapanen to a one-year, $1.3 million deal. Kapanen had 13 points in 57 regular-season games and added 6 in the playoffs. The team also signed Noah Philp, a center, to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000. Edmonton forwards Corey Perry, Connor Brown, and Jeff Skinner, and defenseman John Klingberg, are still not signed. Star player Connor McDavid becomes eligible to sign an extension on Tuesday. His current contract has one year left. Also Read: Brad Marchand Agrees To Massive Six Year Extension With Florida Panthers After Trade From Bruins Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Time of India
Lauren Kyle's outdoor birthday dinner for Connor McDavid unites Edmonton Oilers stars and spouses
Connor McDavid with his wife Lauren (via Getty Images) Connor McDavid, the Edmonton Oilers' captain, marked his birthday in style over the weekend at a gorgeous alfresco dinner courtesy of his wife, Lauren Kyle. The glamorous affair was greater than a birthday bash—it became an evening of tender reunions of actual and former Oilers players and their spouses, illustrating the close fraternity that goes far beyond the playing surface in Edmonton's hockey fraternity. Connor McDavid's wife Lauren Kyle gathers Edmonton Oilers' extended family for a festive night Lauren Kyle organized an elegant dinner soiree that was called opulent and intimate. Shared on her Instagram, the setup consisted of a lengthy alfresco dining table filled with minimalist yet chic decor—white flower centerpieces, string lights, and distressed pieces that created a warm ambiance. The list of guests was a roll call of the history of the Oilers, as present-day players and old-timers mingled together with their spouses. Ryan McLeod came in with Alexie Andlauer, Adam Henrique came in with his wife Lauren, and Sam Gagner and Rachel Gagner were there, while Connor Schlichting came in with Sami Punzo. It was a reminder that though careers might lead players through cities and leagues, the connections formed in Edmonton don't fade away. Lauren Kyle gave a peek at the evening via Instagram stories and shared some moments from patrons. The photos showed more than looks—they conveyed an appreciation of camaraderie, affection, and commonality that patrons shared. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like La rutina de abs que necesitas [Descubre] VIDA FIT Leer más Undo The group looked relaxed and joyful, a stark contrast to the usual intensity seen during the hockey season. Each story featured warm interactions and laughter, turning the occasion into something far more meaningful than just a birthday celebration. It was a time for reconnection, reflection, and appreciation of the relationships formed over years of playing, traveling, and competing together. The birthday meal became a reunion of hugs and giggles. Lauren's attention to detail came through in every detail of the evening. Also read: Connor McDavid's birthday post for lady-love Lauren Kyle and pup Lenny is all kinds of adorable Lauren Kyle's birthday party for Connor McDavid was a rare peek at the off-ice life of hockey. The breathtaking outdoor feast was an evening to cherish, not only for its glamour but also for the eternal relationships it reinforced beneath the summer sun. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Time of India
Glen Gulutzan's return to Dallas Stars as head coach creates huge void on Edmonton Oilers' bench
Glen Gulutzan (via Getty Images) Glen Gulutzan is set to return to the Dallas Stars as head coach. Glen Gulutzan, the mastermind of the Edmonton Oilers' dynastic power play and go-to guru for superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, is leaving after seven notable seasons in the Edmonton Oilers. With a reported multi-year contract on the horizon, his departure is both a new chance for the Dallas Stars and a major test for the Edmonton Oilers' coaching staff. Glen Gulutzan's return to the NHL as head coach highlights growth and unfinished business Glen Gulutzan's return to the Dallas Stars, where he initially stepped into the NHL head coaching ranks more than a decade ago, is a full-circle experience. 'I think Gully had a tremendous rapport with McDavid and Draisaitl,' said long-time colleague Perry Pearn. "Connor and Leon respected him. He learned some things about the power play from them, but they learned some things from Gully too. There was that mutual respect. 'There was also a level of comfort that if things weren't going well, Gully would figure out a way to change things. That's one of his strong points…his ability to work with the top players, to get them onside, to get a buy-in. He got the top guys to buy in, so it was easy for the other guys." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Bring home all new SP125 & get an instant cashback up to ₹5000# Honda Learn More Undo Over the past five regular seasons, the Oilers' power play led the NHL with an average success rate of 27.4%, peaking at 32.4% in 2022-23. Glen Gulutzan's departure now forces Edmonton to rethink its offensive blueprint, particularly in man-advantage situations. Glen Gulutzan Expected To Be Dallas Stars Next Head Coach | DLLS Stars Emergency Pod Replacing a man with Gulutzan's institutional acumen and profound trust won't be simple for the Edmonton Oilers. In addition to operating the league's most intimidating power play, he provided flexibility and a consistent voice in the locker room. Assistant coaches Paul Coffey, Mark Stuart, and goaltending coach Dustin Schwartz similarly have their futures in doubt, with expiring deals and no extensions revealed to this point. 'If you look, some of the best coaches in the league, most of them had a first-time stint somewhere and in a lot of cases it wasn't a long one…Jacques Martin, Joel Quenneville, Claude Julien, Tom Renney. It's a big learning curve to get everything right in the NHL as a head coach,' Pearn added. Internally, the Oilers could try to promote a familiar face or bring in an outside candidate with a power-play resume. In either case, whoever replaces him will have high expectations, with a window of contention still very much open for Edmonton. Also read: NHL free agency gets hotter as $7.5 million salary cap surge fuels wild bidding wars Glen Gulutzan's return to the Dallas Stars as head coach leaves a leadership deficit on the Oilers bench as well. With coaching dominoes still falling throughout the NHL, both organizations will be tested by how effectively they manage these critical transitions. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
