EDMONTON — Jason Robertson achieved a natural hat trick in the second period, propelling the Dallas Stars to a 4-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday. This marks the Stars` third consecutive win.
Wyatt Johnston also contributed a goal for Dallas (46-21-4), who have been strong with a 4-0-2 record in their last six games. Roope Hintz played a key role, assisting on all three of Robertson`s goals.
Responding for the Oilers (41-25-5) were Corey Perry, Adam Henrique, and Zach Hyman. Their late surge for a comeback followed an incident where starting goalie Stuart Skinner was unfortunately struck in the head by Mikko Rantanen`s knee. Skinner was replaced by Calvin Pickard in the third period.
Edmonton was already facing challenges, missing captain Connor McDavid and star forward Leon Draisaitl due to injuries. Prior to this game, the Oilers had a 3-1-1 record in their last five outings.
Dallas goalie Jake Oettinger was instrumental in the win, blocking an impressive 42 shots. Skinner managed 17 saves before his exit, and Pickard stopped all three shots he faced in relief.
KEY POINTS
Stars: Defender Thomas Harley continues to impress, stepping up in the absence of top defender Miro Heiskanen, who is out with a knee injury. Harley, drafted 18th overall in the 2019 NHL draft, has tallied four goals and 10 points in his recent nine games. The 23-year-old`s two assists on Wednesday brought him to a career-high of 47 points.
Oilers: Edmonton`s injury concerns seemed to deepen in the second period when two key players left the game within minutes. Zach Hyman fell awkwardly against the boards after a collision with Dallas winger Mason Marchment and immediately went to the locker room. Shortly after, top defender Evan Bouchard was struck by a shot and also left the ice. Home fans were relieved when both players returned to finish the game. However, this relief was short-lived as Skinner had to leave seven minutes into the third period after Rantanen’s knee made contact with his head.
