3 things that cost Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 against Stars following third period meltdown 

The Edmonton Oilers were stunned by the Dallas Stars in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final.

Edmonton looked to be on the way to a road win, entering the third period with a 3-1 lead. However, the Oilers fell apart in the final period and were outscored 5-0 to lose 6-3.

Here are three reasons why Edmonton blew its lead in Game 1.

3 things that cost the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1

#1 Penalties

The Dallas Stars have a potent power play, and the Edmonton Oilers found that out the hard way.

Edmonton took unnecessary penalties in the third, and that allowed Dallas to get all the momentum. The Oilers allowed three straight power-play goals in less than six minutes.

“Going into the series, we knew special teams was going to be a big part of it,” Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said. “Tonight, with them getting three in the third period, obviously that changes things. Even after they got the first one, you could see our guys, they felt really good before and then they took a step back. We had to keep pushing and maintain that offensive-zone time that we had earlier in the game and still be assertive.”

In total, Dallas went 3-for-4 on power plays, and that proved to be the difference.

#2 Stuart Skinner struggles

Stuart Skinner struggled in Game 1 - Source: Imagn

The biggest question for Edmonton entering the series was how Stuart Skinner would play in the net.

Skinner was benched for Calvin Pickard in the opening round. However, after an injury to Pickard, Skinner took back the net and had back-to-back shutouts against Vegas.

In Game 1, Skinner played well through the first two periods. But, in the third period, he allowed four goals on just 11 shots. The fifth goal was an empty-netter.

Skinner couldn't make the key saves to keep Edmonton in it.

#3 Got too comfortable with the lead

After taking a 3-1 lead, Edmonton appeared to play conservatively to keep the win rather than try to build on its lead against the Dallas Stars.

Edmonton didn't take chances and moved away from playing its normal game. This allowed the Stars to take control and push for the equalizer.

Edmonton can't afford to take its foot off the gas in future games.