Three stars from Friday's NHL playoff action

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner | 19 saves 

In arguably the biggest game of his career, Skinner had possibly the best outing of the playoffs. The Oilers netminder wasn't terribly busy but stopped 19 of 20 shots sent his way, including several high-percentage chances late in Game 5.

Meanwhile, the 25-year-old may be finding his groove. Over the first three games of the conference semifinal round against the Vancouver Canucks, Skinner allowed 12 goals off just 58 shots. In the seven games since, he's faced 141 shots and given up only 14 goals.

Edmonton Oilers defense | Smothered Stars' high-powered offense

The Stars averaged 3.59 goals per game during the regular season, the third-highest in the NHL. But the Oilers silenced them in Game 5.

Edmonton made everything challenging, allowing only 19 shots on goal while blocking 25 more. Meanwhile, they held the Stars' sixth-ranked powerplay scoreless (0-for-2) again; Dallas' man advantage is a staggering 0-for-11 in the series.

The Oilers' dominant defensive effort dates back to Game 4. Over the last five periods, Edmonton has allowed only one goal, a Wyatt Johnston goal with 6:51 left in the third period on Friday.