Edmonton Oilers vs. Dallas Stars Game 2 Prediction, NHL Odds
If Game 1 of the Western Conference Final is any indication then buckle up because we’re in for an unpredictable and entertaining series. Edmonton controlled most of the first two periods before Dallas exploded for five goals in the third to take a 6-3 win. Can the Stars double up their series lead or will the Oilers head back to Edmonton with things tied at one game apiece?
Dallas is a -125 favourite to win Game 2 on the NHL odds, with the total set at 6.5.
Oilers vs. Stars NHL Betting Odds
It’s no surprise to see this total set at 6.5 as the teams have combined for seven or more goals in three straight head-to-heads. However, it is a little surprising that the Stars aren’t favoured more heavily as they’re riding a seven-game win streak at home.
Dallas is now listed as a -185 favourite to win the series on the NHL futures board, with the Oilers sitting as +150 underdogs. Oddsmakers have completely jumped on the Stars bandwagon as the favoured exact series result is a Dallas win in five games at +350. The biggest long shot is Edmonton winning the next four games at +1000.
If you’re looking for player props, my personal pick is Jake Oettinger to record 40+ saves in any game of the series at +350. Oettinger had 41 saves in Game 6 against Colorado, the only time he’s faced at least 40 shots in the playoffs, and if there’s one team that can generate shots attempts as well as the Avalanche, it’s Edmonton.
Edmonton Oilers
If the Oilers lose this series, they’ll really be kicking themselves for letting Game 1 get away. Edmonton led 3-1 headed into the third period but gave up three power play goals in the first six minutes of the final frame. The Oilers wasted a three-point performance from Leon Draisaitl (1G, 2A), while Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had a goal and an assist, Evan Bouchard scored and Connor McDavid finished with a pair of helpers.
The Game 1 loss only puts a brighter spotlight on Stuart Skinner, who stopped 22 of 27 shots faced. Skinner closed out the Vegas series with back-to-back shutouts, but he’s been very shaky outside of those two games. Calvin Pickard replaced Skinner in Game 3 against the Golden Knights and won six straight games before suffering an undisclosed injury and he hasn’t resumed skating. That leaves Edmonton to rely solely on Skinner, who has posted a save percentage lower than .834 in four of six starts this postseason.
Dallas Stars
It was the Stars’ special teams unit that made the difference in Game 1 as they capitalized on three of four power play opportunities. It’s a stark contrast to last year’s Western Conference Final, which saw Dallas go 0-for-14 on the power play against Edmonton. Tyler Seguin turned back the clock with two goals and an assist, while Mikael Granlund and Miro Heiskanen each had a goal an an assist. Matt Duchene and Esa Lindell also scored.
Jake Oettinger stopped 26 of 29 shots faced in Game 1 and the Stars should be in a great position to win this series if he continues to out-duel Skinner. It was Oettinger’s second series-opening win in as many rounds, which is big when you consider Dallas had lost eight previous Game 1s. In 14 starts through the playoffs, Oettinger is 9-5 with a 2.51 goals-against average and .917 SV.
EDM
DAL