EDMONTON — In the games that truly matter in a series — Games 4-7 — the Edmonton Oilers are 16-2 over the past two seasons. It’s an incredible stat.
Beginning tonight, we enter the back half of this Western Conference Final. The time when results are at a premium.
“I think that our team likes those moments,” said Leon Draisaitl.
Dallas has won three consecutive Game 4s when trailing a series 2-1, while Edmonton has also won three straight while up 2-1.
Something’s gotta give here, and for Edmonton, they’ll rely on their big-picture experience, playing in their 12th playoff series in the past four post-seasons. They’ve only lost one series during that 16-2 run — last year’s Final versus Florida — and how many games have been like tonight’s, an absolutely critical result for a Stars team that would be all but toast if they leave town with a 3-1 series deficit?
Stanley Cup Playoffs on SportsnetThe Edmonton Oilers host the Dallas Stars in Game 4 of the Western Conference Final with a chance to go up 3-1 in the series. Watch the game live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ on Tuesday with coverage beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET/ 5:30 p.m. MT.
Broadcast schedule
Why is Edmonton so good when the desperation level is at its highest?
“Most teams that win … they go through a lot of adversity and challenges,” began Zach Hyman. “Since I’ve signed here, we’ve always been knocking at the door, and last year was the closest we got. So every year, every series that you win or lose, you gain experience, and you can be more comfortable in high-pressure situations (the next time around).”
The old cliché says that you learn more from losing than winning. But is that really true?
“That’s hard to say,” mused Darnell Nurse, who skates in playoff game No. 87 tonight, all as an Oiler. “When you lose, you’re crushed. Then you go back and you analyze a lot of it, how you can be better. The ones that you win — in some of the fashions that won some of our series — it’s been about having that belief in the resilience of our group, that belief that that we’re never down and out.
“So they both present different lessons,” he decided. “I would honestly say, I think I’ve learned equally (from winning and losing).”
Line dance
Connor Brown is out for Edmonton and will be replaced by Viktor Arvidsson, while Mattias Ekholm will not return for Edmonton.
The Edmonton lines could be a jumble, but here’s our best guess:
Nugent-Hopkins – McDavid – HymanPodkolzin – Draisaitl – ArvidssonKane – Henrique – KapanenFrederic – Janmark – Perry
Kulak – BouchardNurse – StecherWalman – Klingberg
Skinner
For Dallas, the Roope Hintz watch continued Tuesday morning, as the Stars’ top line centre was absent for the team’s optional morning skate.
Hintz skated Monday and was dubbed Tuesday as another game-time decision by the coach.
Hintz left in pain late in Game 2 following a slash to the foot from Darnell Nurse and was unable to play in Game 3 despite taking five minutes of warmup before puck drop. Hintz’s status will have a big impact on the lines, as he’s generally a staple between Mikko Rantanen and Mikael Granlund.
Robertson – Granlund – RantanenMarchment – Duchene – SeguinBenn – Johnston – DadonovBack – Steel – Blackwell
Lindell – HeiskanenHarley – CeciBichsel – Petrovic
Oettinger
Where y’at Johnston?
Last year, Wyatt Johnston was a 21-year-old playoff revelation for the Stars, scoring ten goals and 16 points in 19 games.
This year, he’s tracking to make some dubious NHL history.
Although he scored the series-winner in Game 7 against Colorado, the talented centre has just four goals this spring and is pointless in his last six outings. What stands out most about his numbers is a minus-17 rating, which is the lowest total in NHL playoff lore.
“He’s had some tough assignments so far in the playoffs,” said Stars coach Pete DeBoer of the young centre. “He’s had to play head-to-head against (Nathan) MacKinnon in a series where we were short-staffed and were really in a bend-but-don’t-break kind of mindset.
“And then he had to do the same against (Mark) Scheifele.”
Now, it’s Connor McDavid.
“He’s taking on a big load – he’s a 22-year-old with a lot on his plate,” said the coach, who suggested the youngster could use some help from linemates Jamie Benn and Evgenii Dadonov. “I think, like the rest of our group, he needs to feel the confidence of a puck going in. But he’s just fine.”
Matt Duchene is also struggling at 5-on-5 of late, sitting minus-13 this spring, just behind Paul Reinhart (-16 in 1983), Mike Rathje (-15 in 1995) and Tom Pederson (14 in 1995).
Stars need opening salvo
One of the keys to evening the series tonight for the Stars is scoring first – something they have yet to do in a series they trail 2-1.
“I think probably the biggest factor so far in three games has been we’re chasing every game,” said DeBoer. “We’re behind in every game, pushing for offence, and if you’re a couple feet out of position and the puck goes the other way, with some of the guys they have over there on the ice it’s in your net.”
More from Sportsnet
Oilers’ Ekholm still out, Pickard returns as backup for Game 4 against StarsCan the Dallas Stars find their offence before it’s too late?
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Game 4 Notebook: Why Oilers thrive when desperation levels are high )
Also on site :