Game 1 of the Western Conference Final seemed destined for an Edmonton Oilers victory, as they appeared to be cruising. However, the Dallas Stars orchestrated a dramatic comeback, capitalizing on three power-play chances in the third period to secure a decisive 6-3 win.
In the final period of Game 1, the Stars exploded for five unanswered goals, with power-play markers coming from Miro Heiskanen, Mikael Granlund, and Matt Duchene. Dallas goaltender Jake Oettinger was crucial in the third, shutting down the Oilers offense to seal the comeback win.
Tyler Seguin was a key offensive force for Dallas in Game 1, contributing two goals and an assist. His opening goal was particularly notable, marking his first since the third game of the first-round series against the Colorado Avalanche.
Despite the final score, the Oilers presented a significant challenge to the Stars through the first two periods. Edmonton`s superstar Connor McDavid demonstrated his skill early, navigating the Stars` defense and assisting on their first two goals.
Heading into Game 2, the Oilers face familiar adversity, having previously overcome an 0-2 deficit against the Los Angeles Kings in the opening round. The Stars will be determined to avoid a similar situation in the Western Conference Final and are expected to focus on greater discipline after incurring seven penalties in Game 1. While perhaps not a strict “must-win,” Game 2 offers the Oilers a crucial opportunity to rebound and even the series.
Western Conference Final Schedule
(All times Eastern)
- Game 1: Stars 6, Oilers 3
- Game 2: Friday, May 23 | 8 p.m. | at DAL | ESPN
- Game 3: Sunday, May 25 | 3 p.m. | at EDM | ABC
- Game 4: Tuesday, May 27 | 8 p.m. | at EDM | ESPN
- *Game 5: Thursday, May 29 | 8 p.m. | at DAL | ESPN
- *Game 6: Saturday, May 31 | 8 p.m. | at EDM | ABC
- *Game 7: Monday, June 2 | 8 p.m. | at DAL | ESPN
Stars vs. Oilers Odds
- Series odds: Stars -190, Oilers +160
- Game 2 odds: Stars -125, Oilers +105
Stars vs. Oilers: Game 2 Score Prediction
The Oilers are in a difficult spot and ideally need to avoid falling behind 0-2 to a strong opponent like the Stars. For the first two periods of Game 1, Edmonton controlled the play offensively. If goaltender Stuart Skinner performs better, Game 2 is likely to be very close. Ultimately, the Oilers possess the offensive talent needed to secure a victory and level the series before it moves to Edmonton.
Prediction — Oilers 4, Stars 2
