3 major takeaways from Edmonton Oilers' 4-1 loss against Dallas Stars

The Edmonton Oilers continue their slow start this season, losing 4-1 to the Dallas Stars on Saturday afternoon at American Airlines Center.

Matt Duchene led the way for the Stars, scoring two goals. Roope Hintz also got on the scoresheet, with Jason Robertson adding an empty netter to seal the win. Leon Draisaitl got the Oilers on the board in the third period.

So, let’s take a look at the three major takeaways from the Oilers’ loss to the Stars.

3 major takeaways from the Edmonton Oilers loss against Dallas Stars

#1. The Oilers did not capitalize on the power play

The Edmonton Oilers went 0-2 on the power play against the Stars. The Oilers, which had the league’s top power play last season, failed to capitalize on its opportunities. The situation is concerning as the Oilers are 30th in the league with a 7.7% power play rate.

Given the talent on the Oilers’ roster, the power play needs to pick things up in order to support the club’s struggling 5-on-5 scoring. Unfortunately, Connor McDavid and company could not score with the man advantage against Dallas, marking the difference on the scoreboard.

#2. The Oilers ran into Jake Oettinger

Oettinger, fresh off signing an eight-year contract extension, proved he deserved the deal. Oettinger stopped 30 shots. In particular, Oettinger robbed Zach Hyman early in the third to keep the Stars in the lead. The Stars added to their lead, making it a 3-0 before Draisaitl got the Oilers on the board.

Had Hyman scored on the play, the game’s complexion would have been different. However, Hyman could not manage to beat Oettinger, and the Edmonton Oilers were unable to mount a comeback.

#3. The Stars overwhelmed the Oilers in the third period

Overall, the game was close through 40 minutes. However, the Stars turned up the heat in the third period, scoring twice in a span of a minute and ten seconds. That momentary lapse in the Oilers’ play was enough to put the game away for the Stars.

While the Oilers made a late push, loading up their top line, the club was unable to get back into the game. The pressure from the Oilers with the net empty prompted the Stars to lock down the rest of the game.

Eventually, the Stars got an empty-net marker to make the game 4-1. The late push was seemingly too little, as the Stars had the game well in hand.

The Oilers will look to get back on the plus side when they face the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday.