Welcome back to another day of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the Edmonton Oilers vs Dallas Stars. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs roll on.
NHL Predictions
Edmonton Oilers vs Dallas Stars
Series Head-to-Head: Oilers 1-0 Stars
TV: TNT, TruTV, Sportsnet, TVAS, CBC
Edmonton took Game 1 of the Western Conference Final as Connor McDavid scored in double-overtime to give it a 3-2 win. The Oilers stole home-ice with a clutch performance and are looking to go up 2-0 in the series. However, Dallas is a team that’s good at making adjustments. The Stars have often bounced back from losses and been tough the entire post-season.
Let’s take a look at what’s brewing in a pivotal second game deep in the heart of Texas.
The Oilers Story
There was plenty of worry that the Oilers would have heavy legs after a tough series against the Vancouver Canucks. However, the Oilers got goals from Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman to race out to a 2-0 lead. Dallas would battle back, but McDavid ended the game and helped Edmonton to getting a key series-opening win. The Oilers are going to need their star players to show out if they want to spring the upset on the Stars.
Stuart Skinner is likely to once again draw the start in the crease for the Oilers. Edmonton also played a smart defensive game and will need to do it again if it wants to get that coveted 2-0 series lead.
The Stars Story
Dallas did go down 0-2 in Game 1 before a pair of goals from Tyler Seguin helped it draw level. The Stars have been resilient plenty of times in the playoffs, so this is no different. Roope Hintz also missed the series-opener for Dallas and he was missed in the lineup. The veterans did get the Stars back into the game, but Wyatt Johnston and Miro Heiskanen were held without points.
Jake Oettinger is the starter once again for the Stars and made 35 saves in Game 1. Despite the first game going into two overtimes, there weren’t a boatload of shot attempts between the two clubs. However, both goalies were pretty good.
Prediction
One thing Dallas does will is adjust after a setback. The Stars did fall into an 0-2 hole against the Stanley Cup Champion Vegas Golden Knights. However, Dallas did battle back to win it in seven games. Doubt the Stars at your own peril because its been a recipe for disaster for teams.
Hintz’s status is something to keep an eye on. The Finn returning to the lineup would be a massive boost to an already pretty deep lineup. Expect the Stars to come out with a little bit of fire in their belly. Dallas should even up the series as we go back to Alberta for Game 3 on Monday.
Prediction: Stars win 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We’ve got some prop bets to get you through tonight’s game. The over/under number is around six for this game and we usually default to the under or push in situations like this.
As for player props, go with Hyman to get the over on +0.5 goals for tonight’s game for Edmonton. The Stars should get the over on +0.5 assists for Heiskanen in this one. He’s due for a bounce-back game in the second matchup of the series.
Main photo by: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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