Dallas, Texas — The Dallas Stars were left reeling after their 2024-25 season came to a disappointing end with a 6-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals. The defeat highlighted the mounting frustrations of a talented team that fell short when it mattered most.
Goaltender Jake Oettinger was pulled from the game just over seven minutes in, quickly surrendering two goals on the Oilers’ first two shots. After Corey Perry’s power-play tally and a breakaway goal from former Star Mattias Janmark, Stars head coach Pete DeBoer had seen enough. With urgency, DeBoer called a timeout, yelled at his players, and directed Oettinger to exit the ice, sending Casey DeSmith into the fray.
Despite the change in netminders, the Stars’ woes continued as DeSmith allowed another goal just ten minutes into the game, leaving the team trailing 3-0 in a critical elimination match. Oettinger’s performance throughout the playoffs had been less than ideal, with a 1-4 record and an .853 save percentage against the Oilers.
This season’s conclusion left fans and analysts pondering the future. DeBoer acknowledged the team’s struggles with a hint of resignation. “I didn’t put it all on Jake,” he remarked. “But we faced reality; he’s lost six out of seven games to Edmonton, and giving up two goals on two shots in an elimination game was unacceptable.”
Despite significant roster changes aimed at bolstering the team, including the acquisition of high-profile forward Mikko Rantanen, issues persisted. Rantanen failed to register any goals against the Oilers, casting doubt on the offensive capabilities of a squad that had earlier shown promise during the playoffs.
The Stars’ journey through the postseason fell just one game short of their previous two years, wherein they lost to the Vegas Golden Knights and the Oilers in six games. Fans were left weighing the positives of eliminating strong teams like the Colorado Avalanche against the reality of yet another early exit this spring.
“On paper, we might have had the best team we’ve had,” said DeBoer, “but how we ended the season, particularly with a seven-game losing streak, was disheartening.” The team managed to maintain hope after overcoming initial challenges but ultimately crumbled against a formidable Edmonton squad that displayed consistent pressure and skill.
As the season draws to a close, questions loom about the direction of the franchise. General manager Jim Nill had delivered substantial assets in trades, yet the ultimate goal—a Stanley Cup—remains elusive. DeBoer, who has made eight conference finals but has yet to capture the coveted championship, echoed the sentiment of disappointment.
As Stars fans prepare for the offseason, the chatter surrounding the team’s future is intensified by the offseason uncertainty. With the current landscape becoming increasingly competitive, securing the franchise’s first cup may be a conversation of pressing urgency.
The departure from the postseason stings, but optimism is still present. The Stars have a cadre of young talent; however, the stakes are rising, and time will tell if they can convert their potential into performance on the biggest stage.
