Edmonton dominated early play, holding a decided edge in shot attempts and taking a 1-0 lead late in the first period. That seemed like a death knell for the home team, as the Oilers were 21-0-0 when scoring first this season. But there was nothing sure on Tuesday.
Just when it looked like Dallas couldn't hang with the speedy Oilers, Jamie Benn found Jason Robertson in transition, and the second year forward swept in his 31st goal of the season. A minute after that, the Stars found themselves on the power play, and Joe Pavelski popped in a rebound shot to make it 2-1.
It was a stunning turn of events, and the score stayed that way until the third period. There, Dallas gained another power play and looked ready to put the game away. But Connor McDavid made a great play to dig a puck off the end boards, feeding Evander Kane for a slam dunk shorthanded goal to tie things up.
And 40 seconds after that, Leon Draisaitl gave the Oilers the lead in transition.
Crazy stuff.
But instead of folding up the tent, the Stars went to work. They understood the importance of a game with the Oilers, who are battling for playoff positioning in the West, and they found a way to both dig in and stay calm all at the same time.
"It's emotional," said Robertson. "When we were up by one goal, and then we get a power play, we're feeling good. Then they score two quick goals there, and you have to change that mindset. Everyone on that bench had the same attitude that we were going to get another one."