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Leon Draisaitl Names 'Best Player' in Oilers-Stars Series Without Hesitation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated May 28, 2025 6:51 AM ET

The Edmonton Oilers moved within one win of a second straight Stanley Cup Final appearance after defeating the Dallas Stars 4-1 in Game 4 of the Western Conference final on Tuesday night.

Following the win, Leon Draisaitl singled out fellow forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins for his contributions throughout the series, naming him the most valuable player of the conference finals through the first four games.

"He's the best player in the series," Draisaitl said.

Draisaitl scored the opening goal of Game 4 on an assist by Nugent-Hopkins. The latter finished the night with two primary assists, including the setup on Corey Perry's game-winning goal in the second period.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins this Conference Finals:

-2 goals
-9 points
-Multiple points in all 4 games

He's been fantastic. #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/gCXClZnqeb
— NHL (@NHL) May 28, 2025

Through the first four games of the Western Conference finals, Nugent-Hopkins has scored nine total points. He has 18 points through 15 postseason games, the fourth-most league-wide.

Nugent-Hopkins has now recorded at least two points in all four games of the conference final, including a three-point outing in Game 3.

He became the first Oiler to open a series with four straight multi-point games since Wayne Gretzky in 1988.

Asked about his role after the win, Nugent-Hopkins kept the focus on the team.

"I think everybody is pretty locked in," Nugent-Hopkins said. "We're all trying to do our part and chip in. We needed the power play to step up, and we were ready."

With Tuesday's win, Edmonton extended its series lead to 3-1 with its third straight victory. The Oilers have now won 11 of their last 13 playoff games.

Game 5 is scheduled for Thursday in Dallas as the Stars will face elimination for the first time in the conference finals this season, having to win three consecutive games to advance.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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