The Dallas Stars are set to host the Edmonton Oilers for Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs Western Conference Final on Wednesday. The visiting Oilers, led by Connor McDavid, advanced by defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 1-0 in overtime in Game 5 last Wednesday. The Stars, with a critical overtime winner from Mikko Rantanen, secured their spot by overcoming the Winnipeg Jets 2-1 in overtime in Game 6 last Saturday. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
Looking at the latest odds for the Stars vs. Oilers matchup, Dallas is listed as the favorite on the money line at -125 (bet $125 to win $100). Edmonton comes in as the underdog at +105 (bet $100 to win $105). The over/under for the total number of goals scored is set at 6.5. Additionally, Dallas is favored on the puck line at -1.5 with odds of +190.
A projection model that simulates NHL games has had a strong track record in the 2025 NHL playoffs, particularly with top-rated puck-line and over/under betting picks, showing significant returns for bettors.
Recommended Bets for Stars vs. Oilers Game 1:
- Stars -1.5 on the puck line (+190)
- Under 6.5 goals (-105)
Rationale for the Stars -1.5 puck line pick: Dallas has been dominant on home ice, winning six consecutive games there. They have also covered the puck line in their last three contests at the American Airlines Center, winning two of those games by two or more goals. The projection model analysis indicates the Stars are favored to cover the puck line in Game 1 in over 50% of simulations.
Rationale for the Under 6.5 goals pick: The Under has been a consistent trend for both teams recently, occurring in the last two games for the Oilers and the last three games for the Stars. Dallas goaltender Jake Oettinger played a key role in keeping scores low in the previous series, with the Under hitting in five of his six starts against Winnipeg. Similarly, Edmonton netminder Stuart Skinner recorded a shutout in his most recent outing against Vegas. The odds for the total goals staying Under 6.5 are -105.
