- Zach Hyman records 2 goals and 1 assist in momentum-shifting performance
- Oilers nearly squander 5-1 lead as Stars score 3 unanswered in final period
- Connor McDavid scores highlight-reel goal, reaches 80 points for 9th straight season
- Mikko Rantanen scores in debut after $96M Stars contract signing
- Leon Draisaitl extends points streak to 14 games with critical assist
In a heart-stopping Pacific Division clash, the Edmonton Oilers survived a late-game collapse to defeat the Dallas Stars 5-4 at Rogers Place. Zach Hyman led the charge with his 4th multi-goal game of the season, while Connor McDavid delivered another historic performance that cemented his place among NHL legends.
The Oilers appeared dominant through two periods, building a 5-1 advantage through strategic puck movement and capitalizing on defensive lapses. Newly acquired defenseman Jake Walman made an immediate impact, threading a 90-foot pass to spring Hyman for a breakaway goal that energized the home crowd. Edmonton's depth scoring proved crucial, with bottom-six forwards Viktor Arvidsson and Connor Brown both beating Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger.
Dallas mounted a furious third-period rally led by trade deadline acquisition Mikko Rantanen, who silenced Edmonton fans with a power-play goal and primary assist. The Stars' comeback attempt fell short despite outshooting the Oilers 14-5 in the final frame, exposing lingering concerns about Edmonton's ability to protect late leads. Of particular note was McDavid's milestone second-period goal – a breathtaking solo effort where he undressed defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin before roofing a backhand shot. This marked the ninth consecutive season the Oilers captain has reached 80 points, a feat only surpassed by Gretzky, Hawerchuk, and Esposito.
The game carried significant implications for both franchises. For Edmonton, this win reinforces their status as legitimate Cup contenders in the West, improving to 8-2-1 in their last 11 home games. Meanwhile, Dallas faces mounting pressure after their four-game win streak snapped, particularly with Roope Hintz exiting mid-game following a dangerous high-stick incident. As both teams prepare for critical road matchups, this contest highlighted how deadline acquisitions like Rantanen and Walman could reshape playoff races across both conferences.
