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 Dallas Stars vs Edmonton Oilers. 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- 2 Stars
TV: TNT, TruTV, Sportsnet, TVAS, CBC
Dallas got home-ice back from Edmonton thanks to a Jason Robertson hat trick. The Stars have been quite the resilient bunch this off-season. Dallas lost all three opening games of its respective series only to battle back and get the lead. Putting away Edmonton will be tough, but the Texas team is prepared to do that if it can win Game 4.
However, the Oilers have also been great at making adjustments. The Vancouver Canucks had Edmonton on the edge of elimination, but the Oilers won the series. We know there will be a response coming from Edmonton, but can Dallas withstand it.
The Stars Story
Dallas’ youngsters came to the forefront once again in Game 3. Johnston’s hat trick was supplemented by Wyatt Johnston scoring again and Miro Heiskanen playing like one of the most underrated blueliners in the league. The Stars were down 2-0 before coming alive in the with five of the last six goals in the game. Dallas also got a boost from Roope Hintz returning to the lineup. The Stars really missed the Finn in the lineup.
Jake Oettinger is the starter for the Stars and he’s gotten better as the playoffs have gone along. Dallas has no questions in goal while Edmonton still has a bit of uncertainty about the plan going forward. Head coach Peter DeBoer can rely on the team’s defence and goaltending going forward.
The Oilers Story
Edmonton came out firing in Game 3, but it could not hold the advantage thanks to a Dallas flurry. Zach Hyman and Connor McDavid got the Oilers off to a great start, but the defence let them down. Questions surround Darnell Nurse and if he’s worth the massive contract that he was handed out. Edmonton has been better on defence for stretches this season. However, this is a time where all phases of the game need to be at their best if the Oilers want to bring the Stanley Cup back to Canada.
Stuart Skinner was given the start for Game, but there’s always the looming question of Calvin Pickard. Edmonton head coach Kris Knoblauch could go to the journeyman backup if needed. However, that may not be the best sign for Edmonton’s chances going forward. Pickard did win a game in the Vancouver series, but it doesn’t seem like he would be the answer.
Prediction
The Oilers are good at responding, but the Stars are excellent at pressing advantages when they get them. Dallas is going to the Metroplex needing just one victory to clinch a spot in the Stanley Cup Final.
Prediction: Stars win 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We’ve got a couple of prop bets ready for you for Game 4. Continue riding Johnston and/or Robertson if you’re a Stars fan. Go with either of them getting the over on +0.5 points tonight. In Edmonton’s case, take Hyman to get the over on +0.5 goals tonight because he’s been very good. They don’t ask how, but they ask how many.
Main photo by: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
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