Stars vs Oilers: Will Dallas Revive? Game 5 Preview of the Final

The [Dallas Stars](/nhl/team/_/name/dal/dallas-stars) are facing a critical situation in the NHL Western Conference Finals, with the [Edmonton Oilers](/nhl/team/_/name/edm/edmonton-oilers) leading the series 3-1. The fifth game, crucial for both teams’ aspirations, will be played on Thursday night.

Contents

Analysis of the Encounter Relevant Data Leaders in Points

The Oilers, with a considerable lead, are looking to secure their spot in the Stanley Cup Final, where the [Florida Panthers](/nhl/team/_/name/fla/florida-panthers) are already waiting. On the other hand, the Stars need a win to extend the series and keep their hopes of reaching the final alive.

Analysis of the Encounter

Game 5 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment. The Oilers have shown their strength at home, with a 6-1 record this postseason, outscoring their opponents 33-17. Furthermore, historically, the Oilers have an impressive 17-1 record in best-of-seven series when leading 3-1.

For the Stars, the situation is challenging. They have been outscored in the first period in all their away games this postseason, with a score of 10-0. Furthermore, they have lost all 16 best-of-seven series in which they found themselves down 3-1.

Relevant Data

The Oilers’ odds to win the Western Conference Finals are now at -1200, a significant increase from -375 before Game 4. Meanwhile, the Stars’ odds to win the series have increased to +600, from +280 when the series was 2-1.

Connor McDavid leads the Conn Smythe Trophy odds list, with +130. Leon Draisaitl (+650) is the only other player in this series with odds less than 10-1.

In Game 4, Draisaitl scored a power-play goal and an assist, marking the 13th playoff-opening goal of his career, tying Wayne Gretzky and Glenn Anderson for the most in franchise history. This was his 20th power-play goal in the postseason, the fourth in Oilers history, behind Gretzky (23), Jari Kurri (22), and Anderson (22).

McDavid, with another multi-point game, now has more playoff games with two or more points (45) than with one or zero points combined (44).

Stuart Skinner has performed outstandingly, with a 5-1 record in his last six starts. With his 24th playoff victory, he surpasses Andy Moog in the franchise’s historical ranking. Bill Ranford holds second place with 25 wins, and Grant Fuhr leads with 74. Jason Robertson scored a power-play goal in the Game 4 loss. His seven power-play goals in the last four postseasons are the most for the Stars in that period.

Mikko Rantanen failed to score in Game 4, extending his goal drought to seven games, matching his longest streak in a single postseason (2022, with the [Colorado Avalanche](/nhl/team/_/name/col/colorado-avalanche)Colorado Avalanche).

With his next victory, Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger will move up the playoff wins leaderboard for a U.S.-born goalie. His 32 wins are tied for fourth with Jon Casey and Frank Brimsek, behind Tom Barrasso (61), Jonathan Quick (49), and Mike Richter (41).