Oilers push Sharks to brink of elimination

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Boo this, San Jose: The underdog Edmonton Oilers are one win away from the Western Conference finals.

Fernando Pisani broke a tie with his second goal early in the third period, and Ryan Smyth had two goals and two assists in the eighth-seeded Oilers' 6-3 victory over the Sharks on Sunday night, putting Edmonton up 3-2 in the second-round playoff series.

Edmonton's us-against-the-world energy undoubtedly got a boost shortly before the opening faceoff, when fans in the Shark Tank inexplicably booed the Canadian national anthem. The Oilers were quicker and smarter throughout, even keeping their cool when San Jose rallied to tie it at 3-all early in the third period.

And with their third straight victory following fifth-seeded San Jose's back-to-back home wins last week, the Oilers headed into Game 6 on Wednesday night with a chance to make the conference finals for the first time since 1992.

The Anaheim Mighty Ducks are waiting for the winner.