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 3- 2 Stars
TV: TNT, TruTV, Sportsnet, TVAS, CBC
Edmonton is on the edge of reaching the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2006. However, Dallas isn’t going to roll over and accept its fate. This is game is slated to be a battle as the Oilers try to walk away with the Clarence Campbell Bowl. The Florida Panthers await the winner in the Stanley Cup Final. Edmonton wants to give the home fans the gift of a Western Conference crown. However, Dallas wants a Game 7 on home ice.
The Oilers have taken advantage of injuries to the Stars blueline group. Chris Tanev has been hurting, but still managed nearly 20 minutes of ice time for Dallas. The Stars have played better with him on the ice, but the offence needs to come alive if there’s going to be a Game 7.
The Oilers Story
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins stepped up big time for Edmonton in Game 5. His two goals were massive in getting the team the lead that the defence helped preserve. Phillip Broberg netted his first post-season goal and showed why there’s hype around him. Evan Bouchard also dished out a pair of assists for the Oilers in that game. Dallas did limit Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to one assists. However, the supporting cast is finally taking the next step.
Stuart Skinner has been on the good side as of late. Edmonton has only given up three goals in the last two games. The Oilers are tough to beat when Skinner is on his game.
The Stars Story
Goal-scoring has been a problem for Dallas the last two games as previously mentioned. The Dallas defence has done good work in limiting the Oilers at times. However, a team needs to score goals in order to win hockey games. Injuries have hurt the Stars and their chances to win games. Head coach Peter DeBoer showed his frustration with the media after the Game 5 loss. This team needs players like Wyatt Johnston to find that scoring touch from earlier in the post-season.
Jake Oettinger will draw the start once again for the Stars. He’s been good, but there needs to be some goals to take the pressure off of him.
Prediction
Dallas is feeling deja vu after what happened in last year’s Western Conference Final. Edmonton has the momentum and the home advantage. However, the Stars aren’t going to roll over. Mavrik Bourque will get his first playoff opportunity in Game 6. However, Edmonton will advance to face Florida.
Prediction: Oilers win 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We’ve got a couple of prop bets to drive up the interest in tonight’s matchup. We’ll take Bouchard to get the over on +1.0 points for this one for the Oilers. On the Dallas side, go with Jason Robertson to get the over on +0.5 assists. The over/under is 5.5, but we’ll go with the over on this game due to a late empty-net goal from the Oilers. Those ones can be tricky to deal with.
Main photo by: Jerome Miron – USA TODAY Sports
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