Dallas Stars vs. Edmonton Oilers: Western Conference Final Showdown

The Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers are set to clash in the Western Conference Final, rekindling a rivalry that dates back to the late 1990s and early 2000s. The Stars finished the regular season with 113 points, securing the top spot in the Central Division, and defeated the Colorado Avalanche 4-2 in the second round. Meanwhile, the Oilers accumulated 104 points, finishing second in the Pacific Division, and edged out the Vancouver Canucks 4-3 in a tight second-round series.

Schedule (ET)

• Thursday, May 23: Game 1 - Edmonton at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. ET
• Saturday, May 25: Game 2 - Edmonton at Dallas, 8 p.m. ET
• Monday, May 27: Game 3 - Dallas at Edmonton, 8:30 p.m. ET
• Wednesday, May 29: Game 4 - Dallas at Edmonton, 8:30 p.m. ET
• Friday, May 31: Game 5 - Edmonton at Dallas, TBD (if necessary)
• Sunday, June 2: Game 6 - Dallas at Edmonton, TBD (if necessary)
• Tuesday, June 4: Game 7 - Edmonton at Dallas, TBD (if necessary)

The Stars and Oilers have a historical playoff rivalry, having met six times between 1997 and 2003, with Dallas winning the last five series. The Oilers also faced the Minnesota North Stars twice before the franchise relocated to Dallas. This series marks the first playoff meeting between the Stars and Oilers since that era.

Both teams have had relatively predictable seasons, living up to preseason expectations. The Oilers overcame a rough 2-9-1 start and a coaching change from Jay Woodcroft to Kris Knoblauch, finishing strong to claim second in the Pacific Division. The Stars, on the other hand, consistently performed well throughout the season, securing the top seed in the Western Conference.

In the playoffs, the Oilers had a somewhat favorable path, facing the Los Angeles Kings and a Canucks team using a third-string goalie. The Stars, however, faced tougher competition, battling through the last two Stanley Cup champions in the first two rounds. Now, the Stars enter the series as favorites, with the Oilers playing the role of underdogs.

Head to Head

• Dallas: 2-0-1
• Edmonton: 1-2-0

During the regular season, the Stars had the upper hand, winning two of the three matchups, with their lone loss coming in overtime. The first win for Dallas came during Edmonton’s early-season struggles, but the second win is notable as it came post-trade deadline, featuring the current rosters. Key players for Dallas in these games included Roope Hintz, Joe Pavelski, Matt Duchene, Thomas Harley, Mason Marchment, Radek Faksa, Wyatt Johnston, Craig Smith, and Sam Steel. They managed to limit Edmonton's stars, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, to just three assists combined over the three games.

The series promises to be a thrilling contest between a deep Dallas team and an Edmonton squad that has hit its stride. The Stars' ability to shut down McDavid and Draisaitl during the regular season could be a crucial factor. However, playoff hockey often brings surprises, and the Oilers' dynamic duo will be eager to make their mark.

As the series kicks off, fans can expect intense competition, strategic gameplay, and potentially, a classic battle reminiscent of their storied past. The journey to the Stanley Cup Final continues with this highly anticipated matchup between two formidable Western Conference rivals.