Stan Bowman was a hire many insiders and fans questioned when it was first announced he would become the general manager of the Edmonton Oilers. However, in his first season as GM, he has already shown that his eye for seizing opportunities might be an undervalued asset.

DALLAS – The Edmonton Oilers were getting caved in, with their three-goal lead down to one and on the verge of evaporating completely as the Dallas Stars made a frenetic push in the second period. Like a sweater with a loose thread, the Oilers seemed as though they could unravel at any moment.

Last season, the Stars and Oilers squared off in the Western Conference final, with the Oilers winning the series 4-2. Both squads had the makings of Cup champions last year, but they both missed out, as Edmonton lost a historic Game 7 in the final against the Florida Panthers after initially falling 3-0 in the series.

Dallas and Edmonton aren’t exactly geographic rivals, but that doesn’t mean these two teams don’t have a rich history.

For several years running, there have been whispers (some louder than others) suggesting the Edmonton Oilers can be distracted from winning games with rugged play and heavy hits. It’s a criticism that arises specifically when discussing defensive retrievals and outlets after opponents dump the puck in and race for possession.

The Oilers were last in action on Wednesday night, a game in which they were able to eliminate the Vegas Golden Knights thanks to a 1-0 overtime victory. Since then, they’ve been sitting back and waiting the winner between the Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets to determine who they will play in the next round.

Mattias Ekholm isn't ready to return to the lineup, but Calvin Pickard will back up Stuart Skinner for the Oilers in Game 4 vs. the Stars.

Edmonton Oilers right wing Kasperi Kapanen, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Vegas Golden Knights during overtime of Game 5 of a second-round NHL hockey playoff series ...

Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman will undergo an upper-body surgery and is expected to miss the remainder of the Stanley Cup playoffs, coach Kris Knoblauch told reporters Wednesday.

Edmonton won this same conference final matchup last year, beating Dallas in six games. The two will meet again this season, with Game 1 on Wednesday night at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.