Stanley Cup Playoffs : Messier Ignites Oiler Rally for 5-3 Win

Mark Messier was right on the mark for the Edmonton Oilers Thursday night.

“The great players seem to be in the right position at the right time, and Mark was there for us tonight,” Edmonton Coach Glen Sather said after watching his center lead the Oilers to a 5-3 victory and a 2-0 series lead over the Detroit Red Wings in the semifinals of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Oilers trailed Detroit, 3-1, before Messier scored his second goal of the game, 48 seconds into the third period, after skating out of the penalty box, where he had been serving a five-minute major penalty for high-sticking.

“It was a big goal by Mark,” Sather said. “It seemed to ignite us.”

Jari Kurri followed with the tying goal just 30 seconds later, then Messier set up Craig Simpson for the game-winner at 5:01.

“I don’t think we played all that well for most of the game,” Sather said, “but we have a lot of experience and a lot of pride.”

Wayne Gretzky, who assisted on two earlier goals, clinched the victory for the Oilers with an empty-net goal with 28 seconds left.

“The second goal was a big one,” Gretzky said of Messier’s shot in the first minute of the final period.

Until then, the Oilers said they weren’t too concerned.

“Before the third period in the dressing room, we didn’t panic; we just said let’s take it one goal at a time,” Gretzky said. “Then Mark gave us the momentum.”

And Grant Fuhr gave them the saves, making some spectacular stops late in the game to preserve the one-goal lead until Gretzky finished it.

“Grant played a great game, especially when we were shorthanded in the third period,” Sather said. “He made at least six brilliant saves.”

Detroit coach Jacques Demers said: “We made some rookie mistakes and got caught deep. The Oilers have great speed, and we have to be aware of that. We came in too deep and it cost us. They anticipate well.

“We would have beaten any other team tonight but the Oilers. They’re the best in the world.”

Game 3 of the best-of-seven series is scheduled in Detroit Saturday night.