The Matchup: The Dallas Stars visit the Edmonton Oilers for a pivotal game in the Western Conference Finals.

The Stakes: This game could be a turning point in the series. A win for the Oilers puts them in a commanding position, while a Stars victory evens things up and swings momentum.

Moneyline Odds:

• Stars: +136
• Oilers: -164

Analysis:

The Oilers are favored at home, and rightfully so. They boast a high-powered offense led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and their home crowd provides a significant advantage. However, the Stars are a resilient team with a strong defensive structure and excellent goaltending. They are also a very deep team with scoring ability throughout their lineup.

The key to this game will be goaltending. Both teams can score, so the team that gets the better performance from their goalie will likely come out on top. Special teams will also be crucial. Both teams have dangerous power plays, and staying out of the penalty box will be essential.

Prediction:

This is expected to be a close, hard-fought game. The Oilers’ home advantage and offensive firepower make them the slight favorites. However, the Stars have the experience and defensive ability to steal a win on the road.

Pick:

I’m leaning towards the Oilers to win based on their home-ice advantage and offensive talent. However, with the money line being what it is, a small wager on the Stars to cover the spread might be the sharper play.

Sources:
NHL.com: Official Site of the National Hockey League
National Hockey League – Wikipedia
NHL 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Bracket
NHL (@NHL) / X
NHL (@nhl) • Instagram photos and videos
NHL on ESPN – Scores, Stats and Highlights
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NHL (@NHL) / X
Buy NHL 25 – Electronic Arts