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Out to Avoid 3-1 Hole, Oilers Try to Halt Stars’ Road Success
The Edmonton Oilers face a pivotal Game 4 against the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference final, aiming to level the series and avoid a daunting 3-1 deficit.
The Edmonton Oilers are under immense pressure as they prepare to host the Dallas Stars for Game 4 of the Western Conference final on Wednesday. Trailing 2-1 in the best-of-seven series, the Oilers are coming off a tough 5-3 home loss on Monday. This game is crucial, as falling into a 3-1 hole would significantly diminish their chances of advancing.
Oilers’ Mindset: Focus on Opportunity
Despite the setback, the Oilers are staying positive and focused on the opportunity ahead. Forward Zach Hyman emphasized the importance of a positive mindset after Tuesday’s practice, stating, “There’s nothing to be upset about. There’s nothing to sulk about. We’ve been in this position before. We have a great opportunity, Game 4 at home to send it to a best-of-three. I think that’s the mindset everybody should have.”
Leon Draisaitl echoed this sentiment, noting, “Dwelling on things in the playoffs is not the way to go. We have a great chance to tie this series at home. That’s the way we’re looking at it.”
Game Dynamics and Performance Issues
The first three games have been intense and competitive, with the Oilers showcasing their high-powered offense but struggling to maintain leads. Edmonton has often dominated the first periods but has faltered in the third, where the Stars have outscored them 5-0 over the last two games.
Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch highlighted the need for better execution, saying, “I think we’ve had our plays, had our opportunities. I think we can just maybe bear down a little more on the scoring chances.”
Stars’ Road Success and Composure
The Dallas Stars, meanwhile, are looking to extend their road success and take a commanding lead in the series. Dallas has won six of seven road games during this playoff run, including a four-game road winning streak. This impressive performance is attributed to their veteran leadership and ability to stay calm under pressure.
Rookie forward Logan Stankoven praised the team’s veterans, saying, “A lot of older guys on the team have played big games over their careers and there seems to be no panic in the room no matter the score or how many games we’re down in a series. I think everyone looks to those guys.”
Forward Wyatt Johnston also emphasized the team’s resilience, noting, “We definitely haven’t started the way we wanted, but we have done a really good job all year, especially in the playoffs, if we don’t have a great period of taking that intermission to regain our thoughts, settle down and make sure we’re coming out strong.”
Coaching Perspectives: Experience and Confidence
Stars coach Pete DeBoer believes the experience from last year’s conference finals, which they lost to the Vegas Golden Knights, has been invaluable. “I felt last year in the Western Conference finals, we were hoping that everything lined up and we could win. I feel this year, we feel we should win,” DeBoer said.
Conclusion
As the Oilers prepare for this critical Game 4, the focus is on maintaining a positive outlook and capitalizing on their home advantage. They need to address their third-period performance and make the most of their scoring opportunities to avoid a 3-1 series deficit. On the other hand, the Stars aim to leverage their road success and veteran leadership to tighten their grip on the series. With both teams bringing different strengths and strategies, Game 4 promises to be a defining moment in this intense Western Conference final.
