The Edmonton Oilers advanced to the Stanley Cup Final after Connor McDavid scored a crucial breakaway goal in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final against Dallas.
McDavid’s game-winning goal came just two minutes after the Stars had cut Edmonton’s lead to one. The Oilers captain beat goaltender Jake Oettinger on a breakaway despite having defenseman Roope Hintz in pursuit.
Connor McDavid is absolutely FLYING out there! #StanleyCup
: @espn & @ESPNPlus https://t.co/m0LyTCHYnH
: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ https://t.co/4KjbdjVctF pic.twitter.com/uWy7BIyHid— NHL (@NHL) May 30, 2025
Leon Draisaitl praised his captain’s performance after the 6-3 victory.
“All things considered, my hockey brain goes to (how) that’s one of the nicest goals I’ve seen him score. Just the whole situation, how it played out, who he had coming up behind him – that’s (a) big-time play.”
“There’s only one player in the world who can do that moment, and we’re very fortunate to have him on our side.”
Draisaitl spoke to The Athletic’s Daniel Nugent-Bowman following the game.
Stars head coach Pete DeBoer knew the momentum had shifted after McDavid’s goal.
“He’s not missing that. And it’s game over.”
The win sets up a Stanley Cup Final rematch between Edmonton and the Florida Panthers.
McDavid leads all playoff performers with 26 points heading into the championship series. He captured the Conn Smythe Trophy last season despite the Oilers falling one win short of the Stanley Cup.
The Final begins next week, with Edmonton seeking its first championship since 1990.
