Oilers and Stars Western Conference Final Game
In a moment of tradition and mutual respect, the Edmonton Oilers and the Dallas Stars exchanged handshakes at center ice Sunday night after the conclusion of the 2025 Western Conference Final. The Oilers emerged as the Western Conference champions, defeating the Stars in five games and closing out the series with a commanding 6-3 victory in Game 5 at American Airlines Center.
The win marks a milestone for Edmonton, as the Oilers return to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in 19 years. Their last appearance came in 2006, when they fell just short in a seven-game series against the Carolina Hurricanes. Now, led by superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers are poised to chase hockey’s ultimate prize once again.
Dominant Performance
From the first drop of the puck in Game 5, the Oilers demonstrated urgency and firepower. They jumped out to an early lead, capitalizing on defensive lapses and power play opportunities. McDavid, often referred to as the best player in the world, delivered another standout performance with a goal and two assists, continuing a playoff run that’s cementing his legacy.
Leon Draisaitl added a goal and an assist of his own, while Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Evan Bouchard also chipped in on the scoresheet. Goaltender Stuart Skinner made timely saves to preserve the lead, especially during a third-period push by the Stars. By the final buzzer, the Oilers had tallied six goals, showcasing their offensive depth and killer instinct.
“This team is hungry,” said McDavid postgame. “We’ve talked about getting to this point for a long time. We’ve learned a lot from past seasons. Tonight, we took a big step forward—but there’s still work to do.”
End of the Road for the Stars
For Dallas, the loss marked the end of an impressive playoff run. The Stars entered the series fresh off a hard-fought seven-game victory over the Colorado Avalanche but struggled to contain Edmonton’s top scorers. Despite strong performances from veteran leaders like Jamie Benn and Joe Pavelski, the Stars couldn’t keep pace with the Oilers’ dynamic offense.
“It’s a tough way to end it,” said Stars head coach Peter DeBoer. “We believed we had what it took to go all the way, and I’m proud of how our guys battled. But hats off to Edmonton—they were the better team this series.”
The Stars showed class and character in defeat. As the Oilers celebrated, Dallas players lined up without hesitation for the traditional post-series handshake. It was a gesture of deep respect, recognizing the fierce competition that defined the series.
Jamie Benn and Connor McDavid exchanged words and a handshake, representing the mutual admiration between two franchise leaders. Goaltenders Stuart Skinner and Jake Oettinger also met at center ice, acknowledging the pivotal roles they played throughout the five-game battle.
Looking Ahead
With the Western Conference title secured, the Oilers now await their opponent in the Stanley Cup Final—either the Florida Panthers or the New York Rangers. Both teams remain locked in a tightly contested Eastern Conference Final, but regardless of who emerges, Edmonton knows the toughest test is still ahead.
For Oilers fans, the moment is sweet validation after years of promise, frustration, and rebuilding. Since the arrival of McDavid in 2015, the expectation was that Edmonton would one day return to hockey’s grandest stage. Now, that day has arrived.
“We’re not satisfied yet,” said head coach Kris Knoblauch. “We respect the tradition of the game, and we respect our opponents. But this group came here to win a Stanley Cup—and we’re four wins away.”
As the team gathered for photos with the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl—awarded to the Western Conference champions—some players touched the trophy while others didn’t, a nod to the various superstitions that surround playoff hockey. But one thing was clear: the Oilers aren’t finished.
They’ve passed a major test in dispatching a formidable Dallas team. Now, all eyes turn to the final showdown, where Edmonton will attempt to etch its name into hockey history once more.
