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 1-1 Stars
TV: TNT, TruTV, Sportsnet, TVAS, CBC
Dallas got back into the series with a 3-1 victory in Game 2. Jamie Benn got a goal and an assist while Wyatt Johnston had two assists. Jake Oettinger made 28 saves and withstood a number of shots to preserve the win. Edmonton did get what it wanted in getting the split in Texas. The series now shifts to Alberta and the Oilers would love to get momentum back.
Let’s dive into our NHL predictions for Game 3 with a focus on the main points.
The Stars Story
Dallas was able to execute and finally get Miro Heiskanen and Wyatt Johnston going in Game 2. Mason Marchment netted the game-winner while Esa Lindell potted an empty-net goal. Dallas has done a great job staying out of the box and preventing the devastating power play off the ice. The Stars have yet to allow an extra-man goal this series.
However, the degree of difficulty gets harder going to Edmonton. The Oilers are usually very good with their raucous home crowd, but the Stars are one of the best teams on the road. Dallas has only lost one game on the road this post-season and that was in Game 6 of round one against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Oettinger likely draws the start once again for Dallas. He’s often bounced back after bad games and he did so in Game 2.
The Oilers Story
It seems the Oilers fate will be decided by their standout players. Connor McDavid got the game-winner in the series-opener while Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman each added goals. However, Dallas adjusted and limited Edmonton’s top players. The Oilers did get the lead, but the only goal was from Connor Brown. McDavid, Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard are going to have to get back into the groove to give their team a chance.
Edmonton also wants to get some power-play chances as well. The team did bring up their displeasure with the lack of penalties called on the Stars in the first two games. Does raising that issue make the officials blow the whistle a little bit more?
Stuart Skinner is slated to be the starter, but always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. Calvin Pickard has been used and even drew starts for the Oilers this post-season.
Prediction
The Stars have done what they’ve done all post-season and adjust thanks to head coach Peter DeBoer. However, don’t discount what Kris Knoblauch has done for the Oilers. This is going to be a tough place for Dallas to play.
However, the Stars have more than proven their worth on the road. Go with Dallas thanks to its better defensive structure in this one.
Prediction: Stars win 3-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We wrap up NHL predictions with some prop bets for this game. The over/under has been set a 5.5 at a number of sportsbooks. Take the under in this one due to Dallas’ defensive acumen.
As for players, take Johnston to get the over on +0.5 points for the Stars. On the Oilers side, go with Bouchard to get the over on +0.5 assists in this one.
Main photo by: Jerome Miron – USA Today Sports
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