How did we get here?
The Oilers came out in Game 1 and snatched a huge overtime win on the road, but the Stars bounced back with two straight wins in Games 2 and 3. Since then, it’s been all Edmonton, taking Games 4 and 5. The Oilers scored five unanswered goals in Game 4 after initially going down 2-0. They’ve really shown their best.
Dallas Stars
This is not a spot the Stars want to be in after getting eliminated in the conference finals last season, but it’s truly do-or-die. Dallas must dig deep and get a victory on the road on Sunday or else their Cup aspirations are all over. While the Stars can definitely be blamed for how Game 4 turned out as they completely collapsed, the Oilers deserve for how things unfolded on Friday night.
Edmonton went 2 for 3 on the power play and evidently thrived with the man advantage. The Stars trailed 3-0 heading into the third period and could never get any offense going, with Wyat Johnston scoring their lone goal. The rookie has been one of their best players in these playoffs, netting 10 times and tallying six assists. Dallas were outshot 26-20 but outhit the Oilers 24-16.
The Stars need to find a way to slow down Edmonton offensively in Game 6 while also getting going themselves. Jason Robertson, Johnston, Miro Heiskanen, and Jamie Benn must bring their best and do some damage against Stuart Skinner. Although it won’t be easy at Rogers Place, Dallas is capable of forcing Game 7 back at home. They’re an underdog here at NHL sportsbooks.
Edmonton Oilers
It’s been years and years of the Oilers being deemed contenders, yet they’ve failed to live up to the hype. As the postseason has rolled on, that narrative has felt different. Edmonton breezed past the Los Angeles Kings in round one before eliminating the Pacific Division winner Vancouver Canucks in round two. Then in the West Finals, the Oilers have been a collective unit.
The top-four playoff leaders in points are Connor McDavid (29), Leon Draisaitl (27), Evan Bouchard (25), and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (20). You can see why this team is on the brink of being in the Stanley Cup. RNH was the star of the show on Friday, scoring the first two goals while Philip Broberg added the third. It was a phenomenal performance from Kris Knoblauch’s squad on the road.
The Oilers are a confident group who will be biting at the bit to clinch their spot in the Cup. Having the chance to do that on home ice will fire them up even more. Edmonton is 1-1 in the series at Rogers Place. They’re a -153 favorite in Game 6 at BetVictor.
