Dallas Stars - Edmonton Oilers predictions and free betting tips [01/06/2024]

The Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers will face off in Game 5 of the NHL Western Conference Finals tomorrow.

Dallas Stars

The Dallas Stars encountered difficulties in Game 4 of the series, losing the previously earned lead. Despite a strong start, leading 2-0 thanks to goals from Esa Lindell and Wyatt Johnston—both a result of excellent plays and passes from Jamie Benn and Miro Heiskanen—they allowed their opponents to equalise and even seize the initiative, eventually losing 5-2. This defeat levelled the series at 2-2. Previous playoff successes give Dallas hope for a quick recovery. The team has shown high scoring prowess and the ability to return to the game even after difficult periods. Statistics reflect solid play on the powerplay and good work by goaltender Jake Oettinger, who made 24 saves in the last match. It's also worth noting the contributions of key players like Robertson and Heiskanen, who have scored 6 goals and made 10 assists each. Johnston and Benn have each tallied 15 points. 

Ahead of the next game, head coach Peter DeBoer faces lineup challenges due to the injury of defenceman Chris Tanev, which could affect line combinations. After overcoming Vegas and Colorado in the previous rounds, the team is scoring an average of 2.94 goals per game and converting 22.5% of their powerplay opportunities.

Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers managed to even the series at 2-2 with a decisive 5-2 victory in Game 4. This success was notable, as the team had faced difficulties earlier in the series, losing 2 of the previous 3 games with a combined score of 4-8. In Game 4, the Oilers showed significant offensive improvement, scoring 5 goals, a marked upgrade from previous matches where they often struggled to surpass 3. Before Game 4, coach Chris Knoblauch made lineup changes that positively impacted the team's performance. Introducing Perry and McLeod instead of Foegele and Carrick, and defenceman Broberg in place of Desharnais, paid off. Ryan McLeod scored in the first period, boosting the team’s confidence. Edmonton continued to excel in penalty killing. Throughout the game, they steadily built their lead, dominating the second period and extending the score to 4-2. Draisaitl scored again, and Ekholm sealed the match with an empty-net goal, his fourth in the playoffs.

Edmonton defeated the Los Angeles Kings in 5 games in the first round and overcame Vancouver in 7 games in the second. The team demonstrates impressive scoring ability, averaging 3.63 goals per game, with a powerplay efficiency of 32.6% and a penalty kill success rate of 93.2%. Connor McDavid leads the team with 4 goals, 24 assists, and 48 shots on goal, while Leon Draisaitl has contributed 10 goals, 16 assists, and 56 shots.

Match Prediction: Dallas Stars vs Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton finally showcased their offensive strength in Game 4, revealing their edge over Dallas, who rely more on defence. I believe Knoblauch has found the right player combinations, and his team will take the series lead.

Total Prediction

Expect a total under 6 goals. Dallas traditionally plays defensively at home, a strategy that brought them success in Games 2 and 3.