### Stars Face Series Deficit After Consecutive Losses to Oilers

**EDMONTON, Alberta** – With two straight losses under their belt, the Dallas Stars find themselves trailing 2-1 in the Western Conference finals against the Edmonton Oilers. Sunday's 6-1 defeat at Rogers Place highlighted the Stars' ongoing issues with offensive depth and their inability to halt Edmonton's scoring bursts.

Despite having one of the deepest forward groups in the playoffs, Dallas has struggled to find the back of the net. Over the last two games, the Stars' forwards have managed just one goal, which came off a deflection initially credited to defenseman Lian Bichsel but later awarded to Jason Robertson. Dallas delivered a strong push in the second period of Game 3, boasting a 21-7 shot advantage, yet they could only convert once.

The Stars have repeatedly faltered after conceding quick goals. They gave up two goals just 36 seconds apart late in the first period of Game 3, a crippling sequence that has become a trend. Edmonton capitalized on such lapses in previous games too, including two goals spaced 1:40 apart in Game 1 and two within 1:23 in Game 2. This vulnerability has kept the Stars scrambling against an Oilers squad rich in star power.

Key players like Connor McDavid have been a nightmare for the Stars. McDavid scored twice on Sunday and has tallied five points in the series. His on-ice dominance, supported by formidable performances from teammates like Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, underscores the challenge Dallas faces. In contrast, no Dallas player has matched their impact.

In the goaltending department, Edmonton's Stuart Skinner outshined Dallas’ Jake Oettinger. Skinner made 33 saves on 34 shots in Game 3 and was pivotal during the second period, where he blocked 20 attempts. Meanwhile, Oettinger allowed six goals on 24 shots, highlighting an area where Dallas had hoped to maintain an advantage.

Adding to the Stars' woes is the injury to Roope Hintz, their top-line center, who missed Game 3 due to a left leg injury sustained in Game 2. Despite initial participation in warmups, Hintz left early and was replaced by Oskar Bäck. The absence of Hintz, who has been crucial for Dallas this postseason, further hampers the team’s offensive capabilities.

As the Stars gear up for Game 4 still in Edmonton, securing a win is imperative to avoid edging closer to elimination. They need swift solutions to their scoring drought and defensive inconsistencies if they hope to turn the series around.