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New York Times
13 hours 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.'
Toronto Sun
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Oilers' killer instinct buries Dallas, books spot in Stanley Cup Final
Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers celebrates with Mattias Ekholm #14 and Corey Perry #90 after scoring a goal against Casey DeSmith #1 of the Dallas Stars during the second period in Game Five of the Western Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center on May 29, 2025, in Dallas. Photo by Steph Chambers / Getty Images The Edmonton Oilers turned their killer instinct loose on the Dallas Stars and that was the end of it. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account There was no escape. There almost never is when the Oilers smell blood in the water. In closing the coffin lid on Dallas Thursday with a 6-3 victory that captured a second-straight trip to the Stanley Cup Final, the Oilers improved to 9-1 in the last four years when they have a chance to put an opponent out of its misery. The only team to survive an elimination game against Edmonton was the Florida Panthers in Game 7 last year, a loss the Oilers are now in a position to avenge in the first Cup Final rematch since 2009. 'It's amazing,' said Leon Draisaitl. 'We put in a lot of work over the year and a lot of guys stepped up at different times. We just found our game, we found our pieces in the right spot. We're starting to find our stride.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Brace yourselves for Oilers-Panthers II. The Stanley Cup Final opens Wednesday in Edmonton. 'We're going up against a great team, the Stanley Cup champs from last year,' said Oiler captain Connor McDavid. 'It's their third finals in a row. There's not much you can say about them; they're great. 'We'll have our hands full, but we're a good team, we're a special team. We feel good about our game.' The Oilers are a machine right now, improving to 12-2 in the last 14 games after overcoming the 0-2 deficit to beat Los Angeles in six and taking Vegas and Dallas down in five games each. And Game 5 against the Stars was a master class in taking life away from your opponent. They were up 2-0 on goals from Corey Perry and Mattias Janmark and chased Dallas goalie Jake Oettinger from the game after just two shots. One minute after that, Jeff Skinner made it 3-0 on backup goalie Casey DeSmith. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. It was such a catastrophic start to a big game by Dallas that the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes wanted royalty payments. And every time the Stars got it in their heads that they might be coming back, Edmonton delivered another fatal gut punch. Two minutes after Roope Hintz closed it to 3-2 late in the second, Connor McDavid made it 4-2. Three minutes after Jason Robertson made it 4-3 in the third, Evander Kane made it 5-3. This was as complete a series as any coaching staff could have asked for. The Oilers outscored Dallas 19-5 in the last four games and held the Stars to four shots in the third periods of Games 3, 4 and 5. When Jeff Skinner scored his first career playoff goal, it made it 19 different Oilers with a goal so far. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. • Mattias Ekholm returned to the mix for Game 5. He hadn't played a game since re-injuring himself after 1:52 of ice time on April 11. He hadn't played a full game since March 26. • The first game without injured wingers Zach Hyman and Connor Brown meant that Jeff Skinner drew back in for his first game since the series opener against the Los Angeles Kings. Skinner no longer holds the NHL record for most regular-season goals (373) without a playoff goal LATE HITS: The Oilers scored first in every game of the series… Connor McDavid picked up the 100th assist of his playoff career (90 games). E-mail: rtychkowski@ Read More Crime Toronto Maple Leafs World Toronto & GTA Toronto Raptors
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
2025 Stanley Cup Final odds: Edmonton Oilers open as favorites against Florida Panthers
The Oilers' Connor McDavid (C) celebrates with Mattias Ekholm (L) and Corey Perry after scoring a goal during the second period in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals at American Airlines Center on May 29, 2025 in Dallas. (Photo by) The Florida Panthers are looking to repeat as Stanley Cup champions, but to do so they'll have to beat a familiar foe — who is a slight favorite. The Edmonton Oilers and Panthers faced off in last year's Stanley Cup Final, and the Panthers won the series with a hard-fought 2-1 victory in Game 7. Florida entered as a -140 favorite over Edmonton last year. Advertisement This season, the margin entering the series between the two teams is even smaller, as BetMGM opened the Oilers as -115 favorites and the Panthers at -105. Edmonton defeated the Los Angeles Kings in the first round in six games, the Vegas Golden Knights in the second round in five games and the Dallas Stars in the conference finals in five games. Oilers superstar Connor McDavid is searching for his first Stanley Cup. Florida beat the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games in the opening round, the Toronto Maple Leafs in seven games in Round 2 and the Carolina Hurricanes in five games in the conference finals. Game 1 will be at 8 p.m. ET Wednesday on TNT.
Reuters
a day ago
- General
- Reuters
Oilers D Mattias Ekholm expected to return for Game 5 vs. Stars
Defenseman Mattias Ekholm will return to the lineup for the Edmonton Oilers in Thursday's potential Western Conference finals-clinching Game 5 against the Dallas Stars. Out since April 11 with an undisclosed injury, Ekholm missed the first two rounds of the playoffs for the Oilers, who beat the Los Angeles Kings in six games and the Vegas Golden Knights in five before grabbing a 3-1 lead over the Stars. Ekholm was with the top defensive unit during Thursday's morning skate. "Here's a guy that's been playing big minutes for us since he's pretty much came to Edmonton," Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch told reporters Thursday. "Playing a shut-down role, playing a penalty-kill role, power play, whatever. For him to come back and feeling great, it's a great addition to our team." Of his injury, Ekholm said that "it feels really good," but that he is still "making sure I'm in a good spot where I can not just play but withstand some blows." He attempted to return twice over the past few weeks only to aggravate his injury. Ekholm scored a career-high 11 goals last season and helped Edmonton rally from a 3-0 series deficit in the Stanley Cup Final, which the Oilers ultimately lost to the Florida Panthers. His 2024-25 campaign was cut short with nine goals, while his 22:11 of average ice time per game ranked third on the team. --Field Level Media
CTV News
a day ago
- Business
- CTV News
Ekholm to return from injury for Oilers in Game 5: ‘I shouldn't be here'
The Edmonton Oilers have a chance to win the Western Conference Finals Thursday. If they do, the Stanley Cup Final will be a rematch of 2024. The Edmonton Oilers have a chance to win the Western Conference Finals Thursday. If they do, the Stanley Cup Final will be a rematch of 2024 after the Florida Panthers beat the Carolina Hurricane Wednesday. Mattias Ekholm called watching the Stanley Cup playoffs one of the most difficult things he's endured in hockey. 'Nerve-racking,' the Edmonton Oilers defenceman said earlier this week. 'Not fun.' His teammates did their part. Ekholm is now back healthy and ready to join the fray. The 35-year-old Swede was set to enter the lineup for Game 5 of the NHL's Western Conference final against the Dallas Stars on Thursday. Ekholm suffered a lower-body injury March 26, missed seven contests and then returned for just three shifts on April 11 before again getting shut down. 'It's been a journey,' the top-pair blueliner said following Edmonton's full morning skate at American Airlines Center. 'Since I got hurt, I've had a feeling the team's going to do their part. It was up to me to find ways to get healthy as quick as possible. I've done everything in my power.' He also credited the Oilers' organization with his recovery. 'It almost feels like if there's a guy or girl on this planet that could help this move forward, we've been in touch with them,' Ekholm said. 'These last couple weeks, been a lot of anxious moments watching the games. But just feel like it's been a pretty steady progress up until this point. Really happy where it's at. 'If you look at the initial prognosis, I shouldn't be here.' Ekholm went through drills Thursday alongside usual defence partner Evan Bouchard for the Oilers, who lead the best-of-seven series 3-1 and are 60 minutes from a second consecutive Cup final appearance. 'A guy that's been playing big minutes for us since pretty much he's came to Edmonton,' said head coach Kris Knoblauch. 'Playing a shutdown role, penalty kill role, some power play. 'A great addition to our team.' Ekholm returns at a time when Edmonton is dealing with a massive loss up front. Grinding winger Zach Hyman, a staple on Connor McDavid's line and the playoff leader in hits this spring with 111, suffered an upper-body injury in Game 4 that required surgery. 'Extremely disappointing to lose (Hyman),' McDavid said. 'Devastated for him. He wants to be out there, wants to make a difference. We'll all miss him a lot, but great to see (Ekholm) come back. He's put in a lot of hard work to get to this point. 'Credit to him, credit to the training staff.' Veteran forward and former 40-goal man Jeff Skinner will take Hyman's place on the roster and suit up for just the second post-season contest of a 15-year career. 'Exciting to get going,' said Skinner, whose only other playoff appearance came in the first-round opener against the Los Angeles Kings. 'Guys have been battling hard for a while now … nice to get in there and try and contribute.' Knoblauch praised Skinner's overall approach this season. He signed a one-year, US$3-million contract in the Alberta capital after getting bought out by the Buffalo Sabres, but put up just 16 goals and 13 assists across 72 contests in 2024-25. 'Jeff is an outstanding professional,' Knoblauch said. 'What you want from a player, he has brought. Outstanding attitude. You see that at practices, always smiling, having fun, engaging with his teammates. 'A guy that can score a big goal. Hopefully, that's the case.' 'TRULY SPECIAL' Troy Stecher stepped in and performed admirably in Ekholm's absence, but knew his days in the lineup could be numbered. 'I want him healthy and I want him to help us win,' the journeyman defenceman said this week. 'He's a better player than I am. That's just the reality of the world.' Ekholm saw the quote and pulled Stecher aside. 'Just told him I really respect him,' Ekholm recounted. 'It just tells you everything you need to know about Troy Stecher — what a teammate he is and what a guy he is, how he conducts himself every day. I'm just a big fan of him. 'Truly special to be part of a group (with) guys like that.' SITTING OUT Hyman's absence was welcome news — at least on some level — for the Stars. Thomas Harley has tons of respect for the veteran forward. He's also not upset to see him sidelined. 'Great player,' said the blueliner. 'Was playing very physically, which I think the defencemen noticed. And even when he's not scoring, he'd be affecting the game in that way, so I'm happy he's not playing. 'Obviously, injuries suck, but he's a good player and if he's not on their team, they're a little bit worse.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 29, 2025. Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press
