Battle returns to Dallas as the Oilers secure a decisive victory in Game 4 and tie the series.

In a thrilling Game 4 of the Western Conference Final, the Edmonton Oilers showcased their resilience by overcoming an early two-goal deficit to defeat the Dallas Stars 5-2, evening the series at 2-2. The victory sets the stage for a best-of-three showdown, with the winner advancing to the Stanley Cup Final.(CBSSports.com)

The game began unfavorably for the Oilers, as the Stars capitalized on early opportunities. Just 58 seconds into the match, Wyatt Johnston fired the first shot past Edmonton goaltender Stuart Skinner, giving Dallas a 1-0 lead. Less than five minutes later, Esa Lindell’s point shot deflected off Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse and into the net, extending the Stars’ lead to 2-0. At this point, the Oilers had yet to register a shot on goal, and the crowd at Rogers Place was growing restless.(CTV News, Global News)

However, Edmonton responded swiftly. Ryan McLeod, inserted back into the lineup after being scratched in Game 3, capitalized on a rebound to score his first goal of the playoffs, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Shortly thereafter, Evan Bouchard tied the game with a powerful shot from the point, bringing the score to 2-2. The Oilers’ momentum continued to build as the period progressed, and they entered the second intermission with the game tied.(Global News, FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth)

The second period was a testament to the Oilers’ depth and discipline. Mattias Janmark provided the go-ahead goal with a shorthanded 2-on-1 breakaway, assisted by Connor Brown. This goal marked the Oilers’ first shorthanded tally of the postseason and proved to be the game-winner. Just 51 seconds later, Leon Draisaitl extended the lead with his 10th goal of the playoffs, showcasing his elite scoring ability. Draisaitl’s goal was a significant moment, as he had not registered a point since Game 1 of the series. The quick succession of goals shifted the momentum firmly in Edmonton’s favor.(AP News, CBSSports.com, Global News)

Goaltender Stuart Skinner played a crucial role in maintaining the lead. He made several key saves, including a critical stop on Evgenii Dadonov during a Stars’ surge following the Oilers’ second goal. Skinner’s performance was instrumental in preserving the lead and allowing his team to control the pace of the game.(Reuters, CTV News)

The third period saw the Oilers solidify their advantage. Mattias Ekholm sealed the victory with an empty-net goal at 18:07, bringing the final score to 5-2. The Oilers’ penalty kill unit continued its dominance, successfully killing off all three of Dallas’s power-play opportunities, including a critical kill late in the game when Zach Hyman was penalized for tripping. This marked the 23rd consecutive successful penalty kill for Edmonton, underscoring their commitment to special teams excellence.(CTV News)

• Stuart Skinner: Made 20 saves, providing steady goaltending throughout the game.
• Connor McDavid: Recorded three assists, continuing to lead by example.
• Leon Draisaitl: Scored a goal and contributed an assist, ending his point drought and adding a crucial tally.
• Mattias Janmark: Scored the game-winning goal and was a key contributor on the penalty kill.
• Ryan McLeod: Scored his first playoff goal, providing a spark for the team.(CTV News)

With the series now tied, both teams face high stakes in the upcoming games. Game 5 is scheduled for Friday in Dallas, where the Stars will look to reclaim home-ice advantage. The Oilers, buoyed by their strong performance, aim to carry their momentum into the next matchup. As the series progresses, both teams will need to adapt and execute at the highest level to secure a spot in the Stanley Cup Final.(Reuters)

The Western Conference Final has proven to be a thrilling and unpredictable series, with each game offering new challenges and opportunities. Fans can expect more intense action as the Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars battle for a chance to compete for the ultimate prize in hockey.