Dallas Stars vs Edmonton Oilers Picks and Predictions May 25th 2024

Stars look to bounce back against Oilers in second game.

Stars are accustomed to this area

The Dallas Stars will face a comparable challenge as they host the Edmonton Oilers for Game 2 of the Western Conference final, following a 3-2 double-overtime loss in Game 1.

The Stars have been in this situation many times before, losing the first games in their last seven playoff series. Nevertheless, they have demonstrated resilience by emerging victorious in four out of their last six series, despite facing challenges in the beginning.

Dallas came back from being down 2-0 at home against the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round and won the series in seven games. They also bounced back from a loss in Game 1 against the Colorado Avalanche in the second round, winning that series in six games.

Joe Pavelski said there is a presence of good character in the room and a shared belief that the situation is not yet resolved after Friday’s optional practice. “We must leave to complete a task.”

Potential Boost from Key Players

Optimism for the Stars comes not only from their comeback history but also the potential return of top-line center Roope Hintz, who has missed the past three games due to injury. Additionally, Dallas showed fight in Game 1 by erasing a two-goal deficit and nearly winning in the first overtime when Jason Robertson’s shot hit the post.

Stars coach Pete DeBoer acknowledged that the team’s execution, particularly on their five unsuccessful power plays, was impacted by nearly a week without a game. “We can adjust. I expect us to adjust,” DeBoer said. “When our mindset gets to the right place, that will fix our power play.”

Oilers’ Defensive Strength

The Oilers, traditionally known for their offense, have made penalty killing a postseason strength. Edmonton has killed 19 consecutive power plays and boasts a 92.5% success rate, having snuffed 37 of 40 penalties.

“The guys who are part of the penalty kill all the time, a big part of their identity has been established,” Oilers defenseman Brett Kulak said. “They’re very proud to go out on the ice and get the job done.”

This cautious ability supplements Edmonton’s powerful offense, featured by objectives from Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and Connor McDavid in Game 1. The Oilers have permitted only 10 objectives in their beyond five games, mirroring their improvement in protective play.

“The three years I’ve been here, we’ve advanced and gotten endlessly better every year,” Hyman said. ” Consistently, you realize the stuff and what you’re not working out quite as well. Obnoxiously, we’ve forever been very great, however I think protectively, collectively, everyone’s made that next stride.”

Possible Return of Adam Henrique

The Oilers may likewise profit from the arrival of veteran forward Adam Henrique, who was harmed in the last round of the opening-round series against the Los Angeles Lords. Henrique played momentarily in Game 2 against the Vancouver Canucks in the subsequent round, however lead trainer Kris Knoblauch alluded to Henrique’s expected effect.

“He hasn’t played for a while, but a player like Adam would be a huge boost to our team,” Knoblauch said. “It’s something we have to decide.”

Game 2 Outlook

To tie the series, the Stars must show resilience and adapt their game plan, particularly on special teams, against a strong Oilers team that excels at both offense and defense. The competition is still close, with each team striving to take the lead and advance towards the Stanley Cup Finals.