The Dallas Stars have taken a fascinating path to the conference finals. It might seem that their toughest opponent came in the first round against the defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights. Early on, Dallas appeared doomed after two home losses, followed by a road trip to Nevada. However, Peter DeBoer’s team rallied to win the series in seven games, avenging last year’s Western Conference final defeat. In the second round, they faced the Colorado Avalanche. The Stars again lost the opener at home but then won three straight. Colorado faced issues with Valeri Nichushkin’s suspension, yet managed to win Game 5 in Dallas before falling in overtime on home ice. Even without Nichushkin, the Avalanche have strong players, but no remaining team matches Dallas’ depth. Every line and every skater poses a threat. With young talents like Wyatt Johnston (the team’s playoff leading scorer) and Logan Stankoven stepping up, the Stars look formidable and grow more confident as the playoffs progress.
When talking about the Edmonton Oilers, the common refrain is that their playoff success depends on Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. They have led the scoring race from the start: Draisaitl has 24 points, McDavid 21, and it’s unlikely anyone will catch them. Interestingly, defenseman Evan Bouchard is third with 20 points, followed by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. In the goal-scoring race, Zach Hyman leads with 11 goals, three ahead of Draisaitl. In past years, this firepower was enough only for a conference final appearance, but this team seems ready for more. The first round against the Los Angeles Kings offered little resistance. The second round against the Vancouver Canucks was far tougher, going to Game 7, which Edmonton dominated. Only goalie Arturs Silovs kept Vancouver afloat as they trailed 3-0 before scoring two in the third period. The Dallas Stars are a different caliber opponent. They have extensive experience, keep their composure, and can control both individual games and the series. The teams met three times in the regular season: Dallas won twice at home and lost on the road. Bookmakers favor the hosts in Game 1.
Recommended bets: Dallas Stars win, Edmonton +0 puck line, Under 6 total goals.
Series score: 0–0.
Dallas Stars win odds: from 2.28 (BetBoom) to 2.30 (Betsiti, Liga Stavok, Pari, Olimpbet)
Edmonton Oilers win odds: from 2.71 (BetBoom) to 2.79 (Olimpbet)
Who will win the seventh game in the KHL semifinal? (poll removed)
Published by: Maxim Sidorov
Source: Match Center
Dallas | Edmonton | Stanley Cup | NHL | Sports Betting | Hockey Betting