The Edmonton Oilers are regaining their footing in the Western Conference final, bouncing back from a crushing loss to even the series at 1-1. For the second time in these playoffs, the team followed up a disheartening defeat with a convincing win, this time beating the Dallas Stars 3-0.
Oilers winger Zach Hyman said that “You have to be able to punch back” and the team did just that, taking control of the game from the start. The Oilers carried the play for the first two periods and took a 3-0 lead, which they followed through with.
Goalie Stuart Skinner stopped all 25 shots he faced in Game 2, tying Curtis Joseph’s record for most shutouts by an Oilers goaltender in a single playoff year. Skinner has now recorded three shutouts in the Oilers’ last four games, solidifying his performance this postseason.
The team’s defensive effort was key to their victory, with Skinner making several crucial saves in the third period. Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch credited Skinner for helping them bounce back from losses.
“Part of the reason we’re talking about how much better we were defensively is (Skinner),” Knoblauch said.
The win marks the eighth time this season that the Oilers have won a game after losing one, and it demonstrates their ability to recover from setbacks. With Skinner leading the charge, the Oilers are showing signs of improvement, focusing on becoming the team they want to be: one that is stifling defensively.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6379244/2025/05/24/oilers-stars-game-2-skinner