Dallas Stars must embrace physics to expand the series against the Oilers – Hockey Writer – Dallas Stars

The Dallas Stars found themselves on the verge of elimination, trailing the Edmonton Oilers 3-1 in the Western Conference Finals. Game 5 at the American Airlines Center tonight is a must-win choice to keep the Stanley Cup hopes alive.

To turn the trend, Stars must embrace a more aggressive hockey brand, something the series lacks most of the time.

The need for the body

In Game 4, Dallas stood out but couldn’t hold on and eventually dropped 4-1. The rapid offensive of the oilers led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl took advantage of Dallas’ passive approach.

The number tells the story: Dallas won in Stage 3, eliminated in Game 4, and it is a clear sign that which team determines the physical tone of the game. Stars not only lost the scoreboard. They lost their emotional war.

Head coach Pete Deboer said the stars were not built for revenge, but emphasized the importance of sticking to their structure (Five thoughts for Game 4 of Star Oil, Dallas NewsMay 29, 2025). But Edmonton was allowed too much freedom. If Dallas doesn’t have a physical reaction, the Oilers will continue to decide the pace and style of the game.

Jamie Benn is known for his strengths and leadership, and is most effective when the game becomes tough. The stars need to follow his leadership. Physically, it means not only big hits, but also play with purpose, completing checks and making life painful for another team’s star.

Psychological impact of physical performance

Hockey is as much as body. When the player is hit every step, it will not only be inside the body, but also cause fatigue. Your decisions suffer when you have to look at your shoulders before each puck touch.

Pressure leads to turnovers, breaking games and rushing shots. The goalkeeper lost sight and the body collapsed. Oilers will thrive at rhythm, speed and transition. Physical games ruin the rhythm and force them to play uncomfortable games.

No team can completely shut down McDavid or Drexel, but you can give up their time. The body’s major pre-season not only wins property, but also plants the seeds of doubt.

Balance of aggression and discipline

Of course, there is a line that cannot be crossed. Edmonton’s power play has been deadly throughout the playoffs, especially dangerous at home, turning at an astonishing 60% rate in this series. That’s why Dallas has to be smart when it comes to putting pressure on. Controlled attacks are key. They cannot give oil people a free chance to recover their motivation through their advantages.

Players need to maintain emotional participation, but make up. Here, leadership and experience are most important to know when to walk away, when to hit and when to have the scoreboard talk.

Offensive urgency

The offensive struggle of stars is becoming a real problem. They have only one goal in the last three games. The top six are too quiet.

Miro Heiskanen and Wyatt Johnston proposed the pace, but more is needed by Roope Hintz and Tyler Seguin and others. Even Mikko Rantanen, who has only two points in the last six games, needs to be a bigger factor (Dallas 5-game Edmonton Oilers, Forecasts and Tips, TalkSport, TalkSport, May 29, 2025).

It’s not just about completion, it’s about quantity. Dallas had to increase their shot total, drive within points, and get traffic in front of Stuart Skinner, who was confident in Game 4 and saved 28 times.

Getting greasy goals, tips, rebounds and screens is often different from a nervous playoff game.

The way forward

To expand the series and bring it back to Edmonton, the stars must:

• Body-increasing game: Complete each check. Let the oiler earn every inch of ice.

• Support each other: Support teammates. Bring energy to the bench. Build unity through confrontation.

• Maintain discipline: No retaliation fine. Be strong, not reckless.

• Increase offensive pressure: Shoot more. Driver network. Cause chaos in front of Skinner.

Game 5 is not only a hockey game, but also an intuitive check. If Dallas wants to keep their Stanley Cup dream, they have to play like they do in the season. Because it is indeed the case.