Overload of intensity

First-period penalties proved costly to Oilers

These two teams really don't like each other -- something to do with familiarity breeding contempt, I suspect. No matter, when facing a bitter rival, you still have to play with discipline. The Edmonton Oilers failed to do so from the outset and found themselves down 2-0 barely 10 minutes in, with both Stars goals coming on the power play.

A cry for discipline might seem simplistic, but it is at the crux of the matter for the Oilers. They seemed so intent on being tougher than the Stars -- a theme throughout the series -- that they forgot the potential for disaster. Giving up twice as many power plays as you're getting is not house odds for advancing. In fact, it is a sucker's bet. That's the way the Oilers opened again in Game 5.

This time, the power play for the Stars was sharp early on when it mattered most, led by Sergei Zubov and Scott Young. Zubov is one of the best power-play quarterbacks in the game, and Young is a longtime one-timer threat as a righthanded shot from the left side. The two veterans, along with Mike Modano, worked the puck beautifully high in the offensive zone. Their crisp execution set the tone for the entire game.

Actually, the Stars look like they've found their stride, building to this point in the series, while the Oilers appeared weary, almost resigned to the reality that their best opportunity to seize control had come and gone. The disappointment of the Stars' answering late in Game 4 to draw even in the series -- in Edmonton's building, yet -- seems to have taken its toll.

Still, you can't write the Oilers off. The Stars did stumble late, leading to a couple of Oilers' goals, spoiling an otherwise top-notch performance by goaltender Marty Turco. And maybe the Oilers can carry that late life into Game 6 back at home. The proceedings will certainly be intense. But to force a decisive seventh game, the Oilers have to rediscover that line between playing tough and making it tough on themselves.

Three Stars

First Star: Zubov was textbook on the blueline for the Stars, running the offense and taking care of his own end as well.

Second Star: Young did exactly what the Stars got him for -- to make a difference in a big game. He was a force in Game 5.

Third Star: Stu Barnes likewise proved his worth as a deadline acquisition, providing a spark on the attack and versatility in other roles, including faceoffs.

Darren Eliot, a former NHL goaltender, is a hockey analyst for SI.com. Eliot will provide Stanley Cup Playoffs commentary throughout the postseason and is also broadcasting games for NHL Radio.

 

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