Edmonton Oilers vs. Dallas Stars Pick and Prediction – May 25, 2024

EDMONTON OILERS VS. DALLAS STARS EXPERT PICK AND PREDICTION – May 25, 2024 — If you’re backing Dallas in this series, the biggest thing to keep in mind at this point is not to panic.

There are two good reasons to remain calm if backing the Stars in this series. The first is that Dallas has been in this situation before. The Stars have lost the series opener in both of their previous series this year. They came back to win both times. In the Vegas series, the Stars went down 0-2 at home before winning four of five, and Dallas dispatched Colorado after dropping the opener in Texas.

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Second, and more importantly, Dallas got its opportunities in Game 1. The Stars outplayed Edmonton in the first game; they just didn’t capitalize on their chances. Dallas got five power play chances to just one for Edmonton. That’s going to win you the game most nights when you take the ice. As long as the Stars can be less wasteful with their power plays, they’ll have the edge.

Edmonton has killed off 19 straight power plays, but that doesn’t feel sustainable. The Oilers didn’t play their best last time out and won, so that’s a mark on the positive side of the ledger. But Edmonton still has to prove that it’s the better team when playing 5-on-5 hockey.

The Oil did that at the end of the series with Vancouver, but the Canucks also seemed overwhelmed by the moment. Dallas will not be intimidated. The Stars will be ready to raise their game here.

The Odds

Puck Drop

When: Saturday, May 25 at 8 p.m. EST

Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas

TV: ESPN

Public Bets: Unavailable

Public Money: Unavailable

Odds courtesy of DraftKings, as of May 25th, 2024

Edmonton Oilers vs. Dallas Stars In-Season Trends

When the defense is at its best, low scores are going to follow. Edmonton has been able to play tough defense now that Stuart Skinner is back to his top form, which is why the under has cashed in four of five from the Oilers.

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Dallas has gotten excellent goaltending play of its own from Jake Oettinger, as he and Igor Shesterkin of New York are the only goaltenders left in the tournament with a save percentage above .910. The Stars believe they’ve got the edge in that department, and their play reflects it. Four of the Stars’ past five opponents have scored two goals or less in regulation.

Players to Watch

Everything Edmonton does is connected to Connor McDavid. He scored the winning goal in overtime in Game 1, and he ended a streak of six games without a marker with that goal. That speaks to the job that Vancouver did on McDavid in that series, and it might be a sign of better things to come from McDavid now that he’s free from the Canucks’ pressure.

Tyler Seguin came up big for Dallas twice in Game 1, but he needs some help to keep pace with Edmonton. Wyatt Johnston needs to get going again.

The Pick

Dallas should be able to bounce back here. The Rangers bounced back just fine in the East, and unlike New York, the Stars looked good in Game 1. If Dallas plays like it did in Game 1 and takes advantage of its chances more often, it’s going to win the series.

Edmonton doesn’t need a win in this game. The Oilers did their job by getting a split in Texas. A win here would be gravy, but they’ll be just fine going to Canada with the series level.