The Dallas Stars have come close to reaching the pinnacle of the NHL in recent years, consistently reaching the Western Conference Final but falling short. However, as they prepare for the 2025 playoffs, there`s significant optimism that this team can finally make it to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2020.
Their most recent attempt saw them lose to the Edmonton Oilers in six games in the 2024 Western Conference Final. Dallas initially held a 2-1 series lead but saw their offense completely sputter, scoring only four goals across the final three contests.
In 2023, they faced the eventual Stanley Cup champions, the Vegas Golden Knights. The Stars dug themselves into a deep 0-3 series deficit before mounting a comeback to win Games 4 and 5. However, the Golden Knights decisively ended the series with a dominant 6-0 victory in Game 6.
While many core players from those runs are still on the team, the 2025 iteration feels different and has a strong desire to prove itself. The acquisition of Mikko Rantanen at the trade deadline immediately positioned the Stars as one of the betting favorites to win the Stanley Cup, and for good reason.
Several key factors suggest the Stars are well-equipped to succeed in 2025 and reach the Stanley Cup Final.
Mikko Rantanen`s Impact
Since joining the team in March, Mikko Rantanen has lived up to expectations, performing exactly as advertised. He currently leads the NHL postseason in points with 19 (9 goals, 10 assists) through the first two rounds and shows no signs of slowing down.
The Stars already boasted significant offensive depth, but Rantanen provides an “alpha” presence capable of single-handedly changing a game`s momentum. Demonstrating this, he scored eight goals over a four-game span bridging the first and second rounds, including back-to-back hat tricks. Rantanen has a history of performing exceptionally under pressure throughout his career, and if he continues this trend, the Stars` offense will be in excellent shape.
Strong Goaltending from Jake Oettinger
Recent Stanley Cup champions have often relied on stellar goaltending performances, citing examples like Sergei Bobrovsky, Adin Hill, and Andrei Vasilevskiy. For the Stars, goaltender Jake Oettinger has demonstrated he can be that difference-maker, particularly with an impressive showing in the latter part of their second-round series against the Winnipeg Jets.
Heading into the Western Conference Final, Oettinger holds an 8-5 record with a 2.47 goals-against-average and a .919 save percentage in these playoffs. His performance was particularly strong in the final four games against the Jets, posting a 1.75 GAA and a .939 save percentage, helping Dallas secure three wins. He has allowed more than three goals in only two of his 13 postseason starts. Oettinger`s capability to make game-saving stops is highlighted by his .963 save percentage against unblocked shots (per MoneyPuck). While the team has an elite offense, their ultimate success may depend on Oettinger`s ability to carry them.
Elite Special Teams Play
The Stars are a formidable opponent at five-on-five, but they become even more dangerous on the power play. In the 2025 playoffs, their power play success rate ranks third overall at 30.8%, and is the highest among the remaining teams. Their 12 power play goals are the most in the NHL postseason. Notably, they`ve scored a power play goal in three of their last four games, including defenseman Thomas Harley`s overtime game-winner in Game 6 against Winnipeg.
Dallas has also excelled on the penalty kill, posting an 86.0% success rate, ranking third among playoff teams (behind Carolina and Florida). They limited the Jets to just three power play goals in their second-round series. The Stars deploy a highly effective, veteran-led penalty kill unit featuring players like Sam Steel, Mikael Granlund, Esa Lindell, and Cody Ceci, which has been crucial to their playoff success.
