The Oilers have a dominant performance and win 3-1.
Oilrs have won three straight and are leading the series 3-2.

The Edmonton Oilers are no strangers to adversity in the postseason, but on a cool spring night inside Rogers Place, they demonstrated why they remain one of the most dangerous teams in the NHL. With a disciplined, dominating 3-1 victory, the Oilers have now claimed their third consecutive win in this hard-fought series and taken a commanding 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven matchup.

For a team that appeared to be on the ropes earlier in the series, the turnaround has been dramatic. Fueled by timely goaltending, balanced scoring, and a revitalized defensive structure, Edmonton has shifted momentum completely in their favor. As the series heads back to hostile territory for Game 6, the Oilers now sit just one win away from punching their ticket to the next round.

It’s hard to talk about Edmonton’s success without mentioning captain Connor McDavid. Though he was held off the scoresheet in Game 5, McDavid’s impact was everywhere—from winning puck battles along the boards to drawing key penalties that led to scoring chances.

Still, what made Game 5 so special for Edmonton wasn’t a McDavid masterclass. Instead, it was the depth contributions and systemic execution that carried the day.

Zach Hyman opened the scoring midway through the first period with his trademark net-front presence, redirecting a point shot past the opposing goaltender for his sixth goal of the playoffs. The sequence was a microcosm of Hyman’s value—gritty, smart, and relentless.

Leon Draisaitl added to the lead in the second period, finishing off a crisp passing play on the power play. His one-timer from the right circle was vintage Draisaitl—quick release, pinpoint accuracy, and impossible to stop. With his tally, Draisaitl extended his playoff point streak to six games.

The dagger came in the third, courtesy of defenseman Mattias Ekholm. Known more for his defensive prowess, Ekholm jumped into the rush and snapped a wrister top shelf to make it 3-0. It was the kind of insurance goal that crushes comeback hopes and energizes a home crowd that was already vibrating with playoff intensity.

While the offense delivered, Stuart Skinner arguably stole the show. After a rocky start to the series, Edmonton’s netminder has bounced back in commanding fashion. In Game 5, he stopped 31 of 32 shots, including several high-danger chances in the final frame as the opposing team tried desperately to claw their way back.

“Stu was unbelievable tonight,” said head coach Kris Knoblauch. “Calm, composed, and confident. He gave us a chance to win, and we made good on it.”

Skinner’s rebound has been symbolic of Edmonton’s team-wide resurgence. Questions swirled around the Oilers’ ability to keep the puck out of their own net, especially early in the series when defensive breakdowns led to back-to-back losses. But over the last three games, Skinner has been backed by a more disciplined and structured unit in front of him.

Whether it was Darnell Nurse making key clears or Brett Kulak logging heavy minutes and denying entries, the Oilers’ blue line played its most complete game of the postseason so far.

The importance of Game 5 wasn’t lost on anyone in the locker room or in the crowd. With the series tied 2-2, the Oilers needed to capitalize on home ice—and they did just that.

From the opening puck drop, the energy in Rogers Place was electric. The fans—waving towels, banging on the glass, chanting “Let’s Go Oilers!”—provided a raucous backdrop as Edmonton came out flying. The first period set the tone: aggressive forechecking, smart breakouts, and opportunistic play in the offensive zone.

The Oilers outshot their opponents 12-6 in the first frame and carried a 1-0 lead into intermission. Unlike earlier games in the series where leads evaporated quickly, Edmonton played with poise. The second period saw them double the lead and tighten defensively, limiting second-chance opportunities.

Even when the opposition managed to break Skinner’s shutout bid midway through the third, there was no panic. The Oilers answered with structured shifts, clogged lanes, and relentless backchecking.

“Everyone bought in tonight,” said Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. “We talked about taking away time and space, being hard on the puck, and making smart decisions. I think we executed on all fronts.”

One of the clearest indicators of Edmonton’s growth this postseason has been their special teams. The Oilers’ power play—already one of the most lethal units in NHL history—continued its torrid pace, converting one of three opportunities and creating several other quality looks.

But perhaps more impressively, the penalty kill unit delivered a flawless performance. They shut down all four opposing power plays and even threatened shorthanded. Key blocks from Vincent Desharnais and timely clears from Connor Brown underscored a commitment to detail that has eluded Edmonton in past playoff failures.

Assistant coach Glen Gulutzan, who oversees the power play, emphasized the team’s maturity: “It’s not just about scoring. It’s about timing, puck movement, and reading what the opposition gives you. Our guys are dialed in.”

After dropping the first two games of the series and facing mounting pressure from fans and media alike, the Oilers could have unraveled. Instead, they tightened up and found their stride. Now, with three straight wins and a series lead, they’ve not only seized control but may have entered their opponent’s heads.

“We’ve flipped the script,” said Evander Kane, who registered six hits and played a key agitator role. “The pressure’s on them now. They’re the ones who have to adjust.”

The Oilers’ physicality has steadily increased, wearing down the opposition over the last three games. With forecheckers finishing every check and defenders making the front of the net a war zone, the psychological and physical toll has become evident.

Head coach Kris Knoblauch echoed that sentiment: “Playoff hockey is about layers—mental, physical, emotional. We’re starting to impose our will in all three areas.”

Despite their advantage, the Oilers aren’t looking past Game 6. The series heads back on the road, where Edmonton dropped the first two games. But with the confidence and chemistry they’ve built, there’s a quiet belief that they can close it out.

“We’ve got to stay humble and hungry,” said McDavid. “Nothing is finished until that fourth win is on the board.”

Game 6 will be a test of focus and resilience. Their opponents, now with their backs against the wall, will undoubtedly come out with desperation. The Oilers know they’ll need to weather the early storm, stay out of the penalty box, and continue to trust what’s brought them success.

Historically, the team winning Game 5 in a 2-2 series wins the series nearly 80% of the time. But the Oilers aren’t playing the odds—they’re playing with purpose.

This series has taken on added significance for a core group that has come up short in previous playoff runs. McDavid and Draisaitl—both generational talents—have made it clear that their time is now. Each postseason failure has added fuel to the fire. With each win, that hunger is more visible.

For the front office, this run is vindication for moves made at the deadline, including the acquisition of depth forwards and the decision to stick with Skinner as the No. 1 goalie. For the coaching staff, it’s proof that their system works when executed.

And for fans? It’s a return to belief. Edmonton hasn’t won a Stanley Cup since 1990, but the echoes of that golden era are alive again. There’s swagger, skill, and steel in this team. There’s also a growing sense that something special may be brewing.

The Edmonton Oilers are playing their best hockey at the most important time. With a 3-1 victory in Game 5, they’ve positioned themselves perfectly to advance. But perhaps more importantly, they’ve rediscovered their identity—a team that blends elite talent with relentless drive.