Which Western Conference Team Makes it to the Stanley Cup Finals?
The Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers meet in a rematch of the 2024 Western Conference Finals. In that series, the Oilers defeated the Stars in six games and won a playoff series against the Stars for the first time since 1997, ending a five-series losing streak. A lot has changed over the past year in hockey, and Dallas is seeking revenge. Dallas is seeking to make it to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 2020. Edmonton is seeking to win the Finals after losing last year. Determining who wins this series is very difficult but interesting.
Games One and Two are home games for Dallas. The Stars, having won all but one of their home playoff games this season, could easily win both games. However, they’re dealing with the Oilers, and Edmonton has won all but two of their road playoff games this season. I predict that, while Dallas wins Game One at home, Edmonton wins Game Two on the road. Games Three and Four are both in Edmonton. Edmonton has won all but one game at home. Dallas, however, is only 2-4 on the road so far in the playoffs. Dallas has also had a pair of strong opponents in Colorado and Winnipeg earlier in the playoffs. Therefore, I predict that Edmonton wins Game Three and Dallas wins Game Four. This means that, over the first four games, the series is tied at 2-2. Game Five is in Dallas, and Game Six is in Edmonton. Given that both teams are very successful at home, Dallas winning Game Five and Edmonton winning Game Six makes the most sense. This means that, over the first six games, the series is tied at 3-3. A Game Seven is needed. Game Seven is in Dallas, meaning Dallas will most likely win and go to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Many factors may lead to a Dallas win. Dallas has one of the most balanced blue lines in the league. Their top four defensemen are highly effective at limiting time and space in the defensive zone. This structure can frustrate even elite scorers like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, especially in even play. While Edmonton’s Stuart Skinner has been serviceable, he has had shaky moments, leading to the Oilers occasionally turning to backup Calvin Pickard, who is currently injured. In contrast, Jake Oettinger of Dallas is playing at a high level and has a proven playoff track record. In a long, grinding series, consistent goaltending often tips the scales. Dallas has already been tested in high-pressure scenarios, especially in their seven-game series win against the Colorado Avalanche. They’ve shown poise late in games and strong third-period play. That kind of composure could be the difference in a long series.
