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New York Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
‘Game over': How Connor McDavid rescued the Oilers with one of his best-ever moments
DALLAS – The Edmonton Oilers were getting caved in, with their three-goal lead down to one and on the verge of evaporating completely as the Dallas Stars made a frenetic push in the second period. Like a sweater with a loose thread, the Oilers seemed as though they could unravel at any moment. All it took was for the puck to careen to center ice, into the hands of perhaps the fastest and most electrifying player the sport has ever seen, to swing momentum back in the Oilers' favor. Advertisement Enter Connor McDavid. He turned the tide for the Oilers on Thursday by scoring a scintillating goal that stood as the winner in a 6-3 victory to close out the Western Conference final in five games. It was pivotal in helping them eliminate the Stars at this stage for a second straight year and reach another Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers. 'Incredible,' longtime teammate Darnell Nurse said. 'The big moments, he always steps up and makes such a difference for our team. 'That was a golden example of a big player making a big play in a big moment.' It all started with Mattias Ekholm, who returned from a lower-body injury for his playoff debut. His penalty, barely three minutes earlier, led to a Roope Hintz power-play goal that narrowed Edmonton's lead to 3-2, but then Ekholm blocked a shot from Thomas Harley at the right faceoff dot. The puck ricocheted to open ice, where McDavid, fresh off the bench, pounced after cutting to the middle at the defensive blue line. McDavid grabbed the puck just as he crossed the red line. With Hintz, Dallas' top center, charging behind him, McDavid remained composed and unfazed. McDavid fended off Hintz all the way to goaltender Casey DeSmith – who replaced the pulled Jake Oettinger early in the first period – and made his move. With a deke to the backhand and a cut to the forehand, he pulled Smith out of position, powered past the back pressure and stick work from Hintz, and slid the puck into the open net. Edmonton 4, Dallas 2. Time of the goal: 14:28 of the second period. 'Connor can do that,' Oilers veteran winger Corey Perry said. 'That's a Connor McDavid kind of play. That's just the player that he is.' 'He's not missing that,' Stars coach Pete DeBoer said. 'And it's game over.' It was a jaw-dropping goal by someone who's scored so many of them. He makes unbelievable plays when the stakes are at their highest. And because of that, this goal might have been the best of all. Just ask running mate Leon Draisaitl. 'All things considered, my hockey brain goes to (how) that's one of the nicest goals I've seen him score,' Draisaitl said. 'Just the whole situation, how it played out, who he had coming up behind him – that's big-time play. Advertisement 'There's only one player in the world who can do that moment, and we're very fortunate to have him on our side.' It's not like McDavid's goal singlehandedly won Game 5 for the Oilers. As the Oilers' captain was quick to point out, the Oilers' fifth goal was crucial, too. That was credited to Evander Kane at 3:28 of the third when his centering pass deflected in off Esa Lindell. The goal came less than three minutes after Jason Robertson scored his second goal of the game to pull the Stars within one goal for a second time. But McDavid's individual effort was something else. It was the best player of his era coming through at the most crucial time. 'That's why he's the best player in the world, and we have two of those guys on our team,' Perry said, while also praising Draisaitl, a Hart Trophy candidate. 'They want to make a difference. They want to be that guy. And they don't shy away from it. 'You see it out there. He takes off. They've got a push going. They just scored that power-play goal, and he puts it in the back of the net, quiets our bench a little bit and calms everything down.' McDavid's goal was his most remarkable play of the game, but it wasn't his only notable moment. McDavid set up Perry for a power-play goal 2:31 into the game to opening the scoring. That was his 100th career postseason assist in his 90th game, making him the second-fastest player to reach that mark after Wayne Gretzky (70 games). With McDavid leading the way, the Oilers improved to 12-4 in the playoffs, with wins in 12 of their last 14 games. They knocked out the Pacific Division-leading Vegas Golden Knights in five games. Ditto for the Stars, even quicker than in last year's six-game series. 'That Edmonton team is better than the team we played last year – deeper, defend harder, harder to play against,' DeBoer said. Advertisement The Oilers feel that, too. They've become more battle-hardened and experienced, the result of playing 12 series in the last four postseasons. It helps them – and McDavid – come through in the clutch. 'We've prepared to be in this position for a long time. These are more normal positions for us now,' McDavid said. 'The moment doesn't feel big. It doesn't feel anything other than a hockey game. 'That allows you to make your play.' That play helped the Oilers improve to 10-2 in close-out games with McDavid and Draisaitl. The most recent of those losses came in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. Now they have a chance to make amends for last year. 'We know what they're about,' Draisaitl said of the Panthers. 'We played them seven times. They're a good team. We're a really good team as well. It's nice to get a shot at getting some revenge.' The rematch starts Wednesday in Edmonton. But the Oilers might instead be preparing to play Dallas in Game 6 at home if McDavid hadn't scored that amazing goal. The breakaway deke-out marked his second career series-clinching goal, following the unforgettable overtime marker he netted against the Flames in Game 5 of the 2022 second round. He also scored a dazzling goal in the clincher against the Stars in last year's Western Conference final, when he walked around Miro Heiskanen on an Oilers power play for a sensational snipe just four minutes into a 2-1 win. What he did on Thursday was just more of the same. Safe to say, though, it never gets old. 'There's just a chance for him to get that puck and go to the net and score that big goal,' Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said. 'It alleviates some of that pressure at that time. 'I've seen Connor do it numerous times – last year in the playoffs and, before I was coaching him, I was watching on TV. It's really remarkable how him and Leon have really elevated their game at this time.'
Washington Post
3 days ago
- General
- Washington Post
Roope Hintz returns from injury for Stars in Game 4 against the Oilers
EDMONTON, Alberta — Roope Hintz suited up for the Stars in Game 4 of the NHL's Western Conference final against the Edmonton Oilers with Dallas trailing the best-of-seven series 2-1 on Tuesday night. The team's No. 1 center sat out Sunday's 6-1 loss at Rogers Place with a lower-body injury after taking a slash from Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse to his left leg in the third period of Game 2.
Reuters
4 days ago
- General
- Reuters
Stars F Roope Hintz (lower body) game-time decision for Game 4
May 27 - Dallas Stars forward Roope Hintz is a game-time decision for Game 4 of the Western Conference finals on Tuesday night in Edmonton, coach Pete DeBoer said at the morning skate. Hintz sat out the optional morning session, just as he had missed the Stars' 6-1 loss in Game 3 to the Oilers on Sunday because of a lower-body injury. Edmonton leads 2-1 in the best-of-seven series. "Of course you want to go every night, but sometimes you just can't," Hintz, 28, said on Monday. "So, yeah, I don't know how close I (was to playing). But I have played many years (and I) know when it's good and when it's not. I should be good to know that (when) it comes to that decision." Hintz was a game-time decision for Sunday but didn't play after participating in warmups. "Heal and get better, and we'll cross our fingers," DeBoer said of playing Hintz on Tuesday. "He'll try it again in warmup and we'll see." Hintz was injured at 3:46 of the third period of Game 2 on Friday when he was slashed in the left leg by Edmonton defenseman Darnell Nurse. Hintz was in front of the Oilers' net and shoved Nurse, who retaliated by swinging his stick at Hintz's leg. Hintz was on the ice for several minutes before he was helped off and did not return to the game. Nurse, who was assessed a two-minute penalty for slashing, talked about the incident for the first time on Tuesday. "I was just backing up," Nurse said. "I got a shot at the back, and I think it's just a natural reaction. It's probably a play that everyone in this room, whether you're a net-front guy or (defenseman), probably happens a dozen to two dozen times in a year, and unfortunately (it) must have got him in a bad spot. "You don't want to go out there and hurt anyone, but it was just one of those plays that happens every so often." Hintz has 11 points (five goals, six assists) and a plus-1 rating in 15 playoff games. He collected 67 points (28 goals, 39 assists) and a plus-18 rating in 76 regular-season games. Hintz has spent his entire NHL career with the Stars, who drafted the native of Finland in the second round in 2015, and has totaled 377 points (175 goals, 202 assists) and a plus-95 rating in 468 regular-season games over seven seasons. Hintz has recorded 68 points (26 goals, 42 assists) with a plus-4 rating in 93 postseason games. --Field Level Media
Time of India
6 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Darnell Nurse controversy sparks accusations of NHL bias by Dallas Stars
Darnell Nurse controversy sparks accusations of NHL bias by Dallas Stars (Image Source: Getty Images) Dallas Stars fans are irate after what they perceive as biased treatment from the NHL. In a recent match, defenseman Darnell Nurse slashed Stars forward Roope Hintz. Roope Hintz was forced to leave the game and required assistance in exiting the ice. But Darnell Nurse received only a minor two-minute penalty, and the league indicated there would be no further discipline. Stars fans there's a double standard used at work A lot of Stars fans feel there is an obvious double standard in how the league responds to incidents. A Dallas fan page posted online, commenting that the incident reminded them of the situation from last year's playoffs that was done completely differently. Even Stars head coach Peter DeBoer echoed the frustration. "If that slash had occurred to Connor McDavid of the Oilers, who's a name player, we all know it would have been a bigger penalty," he said. Peter DeBoer challenged the call in front of the media: "Does anybody believe if Connor McDavid is carried off the ice the way he was, it is not a five-minute major? I think we all know what that would look like." Also Read: "Keep Crying": Dallas Stars' Coach Pete DeBoer Drags Connor McDavid Into Injury Controversy But Gets Brutally Trolled By Fans Players also believe that call was unfair Stars forward Mason Marchment also discussed the incident. He did not call for exact punishment but definitely felt like losing a player like Roope Hintz should have prompted a harsher reaction from the officials. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like IIT Delhi AI Programme IITD TAILP Undo He is one of our top players, and now he's done for the game," Marchment said. "I don't like to tell them what to do, but I don't believe it was enough. Roope Hintz is considered to be a key player in the Stars' roster, whereas supporters are concerned about how long he will be out. The slash not only injured the team in the game but could also influence the series in the future. Currently, the Stars believe they are being discriminated against and are demanding more balanced discipline throughout the league. The fans, players, and coaches seem to be in agreement; they just want the same set of rules applied to all. 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.
New York Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Stars at Oilers Game 3 picks, odds, schedule: Edmonton aims to swing the series at home against Dallas
The Western Conference Finals are shifting up north to Edmonton for Game 3, as the Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars have split the first two games of their series. With the next two games in Edmonton following a Game 2 victory, the Oilers are again favored to win the series. But that came after Dallas held the odds in their favor after winning Game 1. The back-and-forth potential between both teams is living up to the hype only two games in. Advertisement Games on ESPN can also be streamed on ESPN+. Series tied 1-1 Series odds: Oilers -150, Stars +125 We mentioned earlier this week that Stuart Skinner doesn't seem to like playing between an .833 save percentage and completely shutting out his opponent. That trend continued in Game 2, as he recorded his third shutout of the postseason. According to Sportsnet Stats, it's the fourth time all year long (including the regular season) where Skinner recorded a shutout after a loss. The Oilers are also 14-4 when Skinner doesn't allow a goal in the first period. Now, it's on Skinner to hold down the fort at home. The netminder has a 1-1 record with a .915 save percentage in home games this postseason. The Oilers are 4-1 at home in the playoffs this spring. As of Saturday night, we don't know Roope Hintz's status for Game 3. He left Game 2 after taking an aggressive net-front slash from Oilers defenceman Darnell Nurse. No discipline appears to be coming for Nurse. Stars head coach Pete DeBoer wasn't too happy about it, and he backed up those words Saturday. It's a tough break (hopefully not literally) for Hintz, who has one assist in his last five playoff games and hadn't scored a goal since Game 3 against Winnipeg in the second round. He's among a few Stars who need to be sparked for a change in offensive performance. Wyatt Johnston, for example, has one goal in his last eight playoff games dating back to the start of the second round. Jason Robertson has two assists in his last eight games. The Stars will also need to change their fortunes on the road as they're 2-4 away from the American Airlines Center this playoffs. Betting/odds, ticketing and streaming links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
