Oilers vs. Stars, Game 1 of Western Conference Final: Instant reaction

The Edmonton Oilers defeated the Dallas Stars 3-2 in double overtime in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final at American Airlines Center in Dallas on Thursday to take the lead in the best-of-7 series.

Here are some immediate takeaways from the game by NHL.com staff writer Tracey Myers:

Star of the game

Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner was tested more in the second half of the game than the first, but he was great throughout. He was a big part of the Edmonton penalty kill, which went 5-for-5, and it was hard to blame him on either of Dallas forward Tyler Seguin’s goals. Skinner made 31 saves for his third consecutive postseason win.

Goal of the game

It’s Connor McDavid’s game-winner, of course. Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard passed from along the right boards to McDavid, who was in the slot. One quick redirection later, McDavid gave Edmonton the victory 32 seconds into the second overtime.

Save of the game

Stars goalie Jake Oettinger had a test or two in this one, but the toughest came at 14:38 of the first overtime, when he came up big with a little help from a teammate. McDavid got the puck in front with Oettinger sprawled out with his stick extended. Stars defenseman Chris Tanev got his stick on McDavid’s shot attempt, which he still got off, and Oettinger was able to make the stick save and keep the game tied.

What’s next

The Stars will try to even the series in Game 2 at American Airlines Center on Saturday (8 p.m. ET; MAX, truTV, TNT, SN, TVAS, CBC).