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Edmonton Oilers' Playoff Hopes Dwindle After Loss to Dallas Stars

Missed Opportunity in Dying Seconds Seals Oilers' Fate

The Edmonton Oilers' playoff hopes took a major hit on Jan. 4, 2007, after a heartbreaking loss to the Dallas Stars. The Oilers were trailing by one goal with just seconds remaining in the game when center Marc-Andre Bergeron had a chance to tie the score, but he whiffed on the shot and the Stars held on for the victory. The Oilers' loss dropped them to 2-4-1 in their last seven games and left them in a precarious position in the Western Conference standings.

Bergeron's Miss Proves Costly

Bergeron's missed shot was the culmination of a series of unfortunate events for the Oilers. After Dallas took a 2-1 lead early in the third period, Edmonton rallied to tie the game on a goal by Ales Hemsky with just over seven minutes remaining. The Oilers then had a chance to take the lead with less than three minutes to go, but Jarret Stoll's shot hit the post. Dallas then regained the lead on a goal by Stu Barnes with just 1:24 left in regulation.

The Oilers pulled goaltender Dwayne Roloson for an extra attacker in the final minute, but they were unable to generate any quality scoring chances. Bergeron's miss came with just seconds remaining on the clock, and the Stars held on for the victory.

Oilers' Playoff Hopes Dwindling

The loss was a major setback for the Oilers' playoff hopes. They are now four points out of a playoff spot with just 17 games remaining in the regular season. The Oilers will need to start winning consistently if they want to make the playoffs, but they have a tough schedule ahead of them. They will play 10 of their remaining 17 games on the road, and they will face several tough opponents, including the Detroit Red Wings, San Jose Sharks, and Vancouver Canucks.

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