Oilers vs. Stars Pick and Prediction – May 31, 2024

OILERS VS. STARS EXPERT PICK AND PREDICTION – May 31, 2024 — On one hand, Edmonton came up with its best showing of the series so far. The Oil basically flipped Game 3 on its head, overcoming a two-goal deficit to win going away with five unanswered. That’s what Edmonton can do at its best, and seeing it happen should be a confidence boost.

On the other, all the Oilers have done so far is delay their fate. Their win only managed to get them back to level pegging, which doesn’t work against Dallas. Remember, Stars coach Pete DeBoer has never lost a Game 7, which essentially forces the Oilers into two must-win games now.

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There was plenty of good in Game 4 for Edmonton. Connor McDavid played like the best player on the ice with three points. Leon Draisaitl got back on track with a goal. Edmonton even notched the first special-teams goal of the series, scoring shorthanded for the go-ahead goal. The Oilers really couldn’t have drawn it up much better.

But until they can get the edge in Dallas, it doesn’t mean much. Getting a power play goal would help, and they might have a better chance now. Chris Tanev’s injury in Game 4 makes him questionable for Game 5. All Tanev’s done in the playoffs is lead the NHL in blocked shots. Without him on the ice, Edmonton’s chances to find space drastically increase.

The Odds

Puck Drop

When: Friday, May 31 at 8:30 p.m. EST

Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas

TV: TNT

Public Bets: Unavailable

Public Money: Unavailable

Odds courtesy of DraftKings, as of May 31st, 2024

Oilers vs. Stars In-Season Trends

Four games in and we still have no power play goals. Both teams have done an admirable job on the penalty kill and both goaltenders have really stood out when needed. Eventually, someone will break through, and when it does, the over is likely to follow.

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The Oilers especially want to push this series to become high scoring. The over has now cashed in two straight games, and that fits Edmonton’s play style much better. If they can get the puck to Oettinger, that changes the equation.

Players to Watch

Evan Bouchard came up big for the Oilers in Game 4. The defenseman scored a goal and finished as a plus-3, speaking to the effectiveness of Edmonton’s defense. Dallas will likely try to get its scorers away from Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm in this game, as the Stars will control the matchups on home ice.

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Joe Pavelski has been a non-factor in this series. At age 39, he’s not expected to be a top producer anymore, but he should still be contributing something. But in four games against the Oilers, he’s yet to find the scoresheet. When you get 17 minutes of ice time, you have to at least contribute something.

The Pick

Dallas had the chance to go for the kill in Edmonton and didn’t do it. Now the Stars go home, but with Tanev hurt, they might seriously regret not finishing the Oilers when they had the chance.

Edmonton has to go in thinking that this is must-win. The Oilers don’t want to face the Stars in Dallas in a seventh game, not with Dallas’ depth and coaching edges. Expect a desperate performance from the Oil as they try to get back home with a lead. If Tanev doesn’t play, desperation is likely to work.