Game 4 Breakdown

Date & Time: Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 8:00 P.M. ET

Venue: Rogers Place, Edmonton, Alberta

TV/Streaming: ESPN (U.S.), Sportsnet/CBC (Canada), with live streaming via Sling and FuboTV.

Series Context

Entering Game 4, the Oilers held a 2-1 series lead following a dominant Game 3 victory. The Stars, however, arrived motivated to level the series after their Game 2 shutout loss. The rivalry carried added intensity due to last year’s Western Conference Final showdown, which the Oilers won en route to the Stanley Cup Final.

Key Performances

Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers)

The Oilers’ captain once again defined the game with a goal and an assist. McDavid’s unmatched playmaking and game control solidified his case for the Conn Smythe Trophy, steering Edmonton’s offensive dominance.

Corey Perry (Edmonton Oilers)

In his 22nd NHL season, Perry delivered a career-defining performance, scoring a pivotal third-period goal and embodying the Oilers’ physicality. Fans have nicknamed him “Hockey’s Benjamin Button” for his age-defying play, a key factor in Edmonton’s momentum.

Mikko Rantanen (Dallas Stars)

Rantanen remained a threat with an assist and a team-high shots on goal, showcasing leadership and experience. Despite his efforts, the Stars struggled to capitalize on scoring chances against Edmonton’s sturdy defense.

Injury Impact

Edmonton’s playoff hopes faced a setback when forward Zach Hyman exited early with an upper-body injury requiring surgery, ending his postseason. Hyman’s absence—having led the NHL in playoff hits—prompted lineup adjustments, with Trent Frederic and Perry filling critical roles.

Tactical Shifts

Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch reinstated Calvin Pickard as Stuart Skinner’s backup after Skinner returned from injury. Defender Troy Stecher stepped up admirably in place of the sidelined Mattias Ekholm. The Stars focused on neutral-zone control to limit McDavid’s iNFLuence, but Edmonton’s second-ranked power play sealed the victory with decisive conversions.

Game 4 Outcome

The Oilers triumphed 4-1, extending their lead to 3-1. Connor McDavid, Perry, and Evan Bouchard scored, while Skinner’s 25 saves secured the win. Jason Robertson’s goal was the Stars’ lone highlight, but they couldn’t sustain pressure in the final period.

Looking Ahead

With the series now 3-1, the Oilers can clinch the Western Conference Final in Game 5 on Thursday, May 29, in Dallas. The Stars must win three straight games to advance—an improbable but not unheard-of feat in playoff history. The remaining contests promise electrifying action, pitting Edmonton’s offensive dynamism against Dallas’ defensive grit in the pursuit of the Stanley Cup.

Keywords:

Edmonton Oilers | Dallas Stars | Stanley Cup Playoffs | Western Conference Final | Connor McDavid | Playoff Momentum