The Dallas Stars looked to rewrite the script against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday night. The Stars beat the Oilers 3-1 in Game 2 at the American Airlines Center. Dallas and Edmonton are tied 1-1 in the Western Conference Final.
The Stars’ starting lineup featured Joe Pavelski, Mason Marchment, Matt Duchene, Chris Tanev, Esa Lindell, and Jake Oettinger. Oettinger made 28 saves for a win. Meanwhile, Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner made 22 saves in a losing effort.
The Stars had a picture-perfect start to start the first period. Stars captain Jamie Benn fired a wrist shot into the Oilers’ net for a 1-0 lead at 3:39. Wyatt Johnston and Miro Heiskanen collected the assists on Benn’s fourth of the playoffs.
But the Stars’ lead was short-lived, as the Oilers quickly responded to even the score. Connor Brown fired a wrist shot into the Stars’ net to tie the game 1-1 at 4:23. Cody Ceci and Warren Foegele collected the assists on Brown’s first of the playoffs.
The Oilers received their first power play but couldn’t capitalize on the man advantage. Esa Lindell was called for high-sticking against Evan Bouchard at 10:50.
The Stars and Oilers were tied 1-1 after the first period. Edmonton outshot Dallas 16-4 after 20 minutes.
The Stars received their first power play early in the second period but couldn’t capitalize on the man advantage. Darnell Nurse was called for interference against Tyler Seguin at 6:52.
The Stars and Oilers remained in a 1-1 tie after two periods. Edmonton outshot Dallas 25-15 through 40 minutes.
The Stars took a one-goal lead to reignite the home crowd early in the third period. Mason Marchment scored on a tip-in shot to make it a 2-1 game at 3:41. Ryan Suter and Sam Steel collected the assists on Marchment’s second of the playoffs.
The Oilers pulled their goalie for an extra attacker. As a result, Dallas added an insurance goal. Esa Lindell fired a wrist shot into the Oilers’ net for an empty-net goal and a 3-1 lead at 17:57. Jamie Benn and Wyatt Johnston collected the assists on Lindell’s second of the playoffs.
But the Stars’ captain, Jamie Benn, didn’t go down without a fight. Benn was called for hooking against Leon Draisaitl at 18:30. The Oilers received a power play but couldn’t capitalize on the man advantage.
The physicality continued, as Evander Kane was called for slashing against Wyatt Johnston at 19:12. But the Stars held on for a 3-1 win over the Oilers. Edmonton outshot Dallas 29-25 after 60 minutes.
Notes
Three Stars of the Game
1. Mason Marchment (1 point: 1 goal)
2. Jake Oettinger (1.00 GAA and .966 SV%)
3. Stuart Skinner (2.06 GAA and .917 SV%)
Star Power
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and former Texas Rangers pitcher Cole Hamels, also known as Hollywood, were in attendance.
Pregame Update
According to the Stars’ senior writer Mike Heika, Roope Hintz wasn’t present at the team’s warm-ups. Also, Ty Dellandrea was in for Radek Faksa.
New Sweepstakes
The Stars’ Western Conference Mural is here, and Stars fans have a chance to win two tickets to see Game 5 and two signed Stars jerseys. If you’re interested in entering the Stars’ sweepstakes, please click here for more information.
Up Next
The Stars and Oilers will head to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, for Game 3 on Monday at 7:30 p.m. Central.
ITR 27: Trade Season Begins – Inside The Rink
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