The Western Conference Finals continue Friday night at American Airlines Center as the Dallas Stars take on the Edmonton Oilers in Game 2. Puck drop is set for 8:00 PM ET. Dallas won Game 1 by a score of 6-3 and leads the best-of-seven series 1-0.
Edmonton was up 3-1 heading into the third period before giving up five straight goals. Three of those came on the power play, and one was an empty-netter. Now the Oilers face pressure to even the series before heading home.
Stars Preview – Special Teams Stay Hot
Dallas made the most of its power-play chances in Game 1. The Stars scored three times with the man advantage and have now scored 15 power-play goals this postseason. That’s five more than any other team in the playoffs.
Veteran leadership helped the Stars stay calm after falling behind. Mason Marchment, Joe Pavelski, and the rest of the group kept the team focused. They’ve now won six comeback games in these playoffs, showing their ability to fight back even when down early.
The Stars have also been strong at home all season, going 26-13-2 at American Airlines Center. They hit the 3rd period moneyline in 45 of their last 98 games, showing a pattern of finishing strong. Their balanced attack and confident play in the third period gives them an edge late in games.
Oilers Preview – Even Strength is the Key
Edmonton had the better 5-on-5 numbers in Game 1. The Oilers posted a 55.5 Corsi For percentage and a 59% expected-goals rate. Connor McDavid’s line with Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had a 75% Corsi and 84.4% xGF at even strength.
Leon Draisaitl was also effective, driving play despite rotating linemates. But the Oilers gave up too many chances on the penalty kill. They’ve now allowed 14 power-play goals in just 12 playoff games, a problem that started early and has continued into the conference finals.
Still, this is a team that’s come back before. Since 2017, Edmonton has won nine playoff series and came from behind in seven of them. They’re confident in their ability to bounce back, especially with how well they played for most of Game 1 outside of special teams.
Betting Prediction
Dallas is a -130 favorite with the total set at 6.5 goals. Edmonton is priced at +110 on the moneyline. Game 1 went over the total, and both teams have strong offensive units capable of putting up goals in bunches.
The Oilers held the edge at 5-on-5 and are likely to clean up the penalty kill in Game 2. Dallas will keep pushing on special teams, but Edmonton should respond with urgency. Expect a close game, but the Oilers’ top-end talent gives them a good shot to even the series.
Pick: Oilers +110
