Game 4 in any playoff series is always to swing game, and that was the case again Tuesday at Rogers Place because when it was all over, the Dallas Stars were swinging from the end of a noose.
The Edmonton Oilers kicked the stool out from under Dallas with a 4-1 victory to take a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference Final. And now, if history is any indication, it’s only a matter of time until the Stars stop kicking.
The Oilers improved to 11-2 in their last 13 playoff games and are 17-2 in Games 4 through 7 of a playoff series over the last two years. They’re also 8-1 over the last four years when they have a chance to close out a series and 17-1 all time when they are up 3-1 in a series.
If you’re Dallas, this is some bad math. When the stakes are high, the Oilers’ killer instinct is ruthless.
If you’re the Oilers, being one win away from another berth in the Stanley Cup Final is a dream that is now close enough to touch. They are plowing through the best teams in the Western Conference, gaining speed and momentum in the process.
“Feeling good,” grinned Leon Draisaitl, who had a goal and an assist for 23 points in 15 post-season games. “We just won a big game at home, and we’re going to Dallas to have the chance to move on to the Stanley Cup Final. If that doesn’t get you excited, I’m not sure what will.”