The Stars needed special teams to be an advantage. While it wasn’t through 40 minutes in Game 1, it was by the time the clock hit zero.

DALLAS -- Connor Brown will be a game-time decision for the Edmonton Oilers against the Dallas Stars in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final at American Airlines Center on Wednesday (8 p.m. ET; ESPN+, ESPN, SN, TVAS, CBC).

The Stars do something seldom seen in a playoff game: score three power play goals in one period en route to a win

Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen sent a defiant message after mounting an inspiring comeback against the Edmonton Oilers.

Ekholm has preached, almost from the time he arrived via trade from Nashville in February 2023, that the Oilers need to be more comfortable playing in their own zone and withstanding opponents’ offensive pressure. The Golden Knights had a couple of sustained stints in the Oilers’ end in Game 5; the Oilers essentially gave up nothing.

EXCLUSIVE: The Edmonton Oilers’ 1980s domination of the NHL will be the subject of a doc series from Ryan Reynolds’ Maximum Effort. The Great Ones will run to five parts and explore the remarkable journey of the Oilers,

Three third-period power play goals allowed by the Oilers sank Edmonton’s chances in the Western Conference finals opener.

For several years running, there have been whispers (some louder than others) suggesting the Edmonton Oilers can be distracted from winning games with rugged play and heavy hits. It’s a criticism that arises specifically when discussing defensive retrievals and outlets after opponents dump the puck in and race for possession.