Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers faced a tough blow in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final, falling 6-3 to the Dallas Stars after holding a two-goal lead. The collapse sparked immediate questions about the team’s ability to close out games, especially on the road against a disciplined opponent.
However, McDavid was quick to put those doubts to rest. The Oilers captain labeled the result a “one-off,” pushing back against the narrative that his team struggles to maintain leads when it matters most. His response highlighted both confidence and urgency as the series shifts focus to Game 2.
With the series just getting underway, Oilers know the importance of adjusting quickly. Penalty trouble, defensive lapses, and missed opportunities defined the third period — all elements the Oilers must correct if they hope to bounce back in Dallas.
McDavid: “It’s not a trend”
Following the disappointing loss, Connor McDavid addressed the media with a composed tone, refuting suggestions of a troubling pattern. “No, we’ve been good with leads for the most part of the year,” McDavid told reporters on Thursday. “So it’s not a trend, it’s not a trait or anything like that. It’s just, we’ll call it a one-off.“
Leon Draisaitl #29 of the Edmonton Oilers is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a goal against the Dallas Stars during the first period in Game One of the Western Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center on May 21, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Oilers’ track record supports McDavid’s statement. Aside from a single loss to the Vegas Golden Knights earlier in the playoffs, Edmonton has held firm when playing with a cushion. Thursday’s result, however, was a rare lapse — three of the Stars’ five unanswered goals came on the power play, with Edmonton spending much of the final 20 minutes shorthanded.
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Penalties prove costly
McDavid pointed to avoidable stick infractions as a key contributor to the late-game collapse. “Stick penalties are avoidable, some weak ones too,” he said. “I didn’t necessarily believe that all of them were maybe penalties, but that’s the game.“
Despite his own strong showing — two assists and four shots on goal — McDavid ended the game with a minus-1 rating. Still, his impact in the postseason remains significant, tied with Leon Draisaitl at 19 points through 12 games.
The Oilers captain emphasized the need to find positives amid the frustration. “Ultimately, there’s a lot of positives that come out of last night,” he said. “Would love to find a way to turn that into a win. But we didn’t, so we move on and we’ll be ready for Game 2.“
What’s next for the Oilers
Edmonton will look to bounce back quickly as Game 2 looms on Friday night in Dallas. Puck drop is set for 8 p.m. ET, with the Oilers aiming to even the series before heading back to Alberta.
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