Now, Florida and Carolina do not like each other. The hope is that bettors and fans get the same intensity and hockey on Wednesday night as the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers open up their Western Conference Final. A trip to play for the Stanley Cup starts in this best-of-seven series.
This game gets all the spotlight on Wednesday night.
Oilers With Extra Time To Prepare For Stars
The Edmonton Oilers have not played in exactly one week. After a 1-0 overtime win over the Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton was able to watch as Dallas sealed their spot in the Western Conference Final with a 2-1 overtime win on Saturday night.
What we know is what we saw last year. Jake Oettinger has now played 60 games in his playoff career at the age of 26. Dallas needs Oettinger to play even better against Edmonton compared to Winnipeg. The goaltender will face the lion’s share of high-danger chances and probably shots.
Here is the worry if you are Dallas. It is not Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, or even Evan Bouchard to be concerned about; players like Evander Kane, Adam Henrique, etc., are the biggest potential problem. Edmonton’s depth came through late in the Vegas series. It did not hurt that late series Stuart Skinner showed up with back-to-back shutouts.
The numbers feel too much like deja vu. Skinner is so volatile, and yet it was Oettinger who blew up before our eyes last year. It truly is who implodes last in this type of series. So far in these playoffs, Skinner has not stopped more than 24 shots (five starts). By contrast, Oettinger has made 25+ saves eight times in 13 games this postseason.
The problem for Dallas is how does Edmonton wear down the Stars. Opportunities and chances are going to keep coming. Edmonton will come out firing and the shots should keep on coming. While seeing a 35-save effort like last year may not be likely, it is at least possible. Oettinger’s over on saves is only 27.5 and 30+ saves rolls in at +162 via FanDuel.
Yes, the Dallas goaltender will have to be the biggest difference maker against a rested Edmonton squad.
Goalie Bets: Jake Oettinger 30+ saves (+162) via FanDuel.
Jake Oettinger to face 10+ shots before a goal (+135) via FanDuel.
Dallas Stars vs Edmonton Oilers Series Predictions
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The creativity should still be at a fever pitch by the conference finals. This has to be now. Why? With the stakes rising, so should the different betting methods and options. Edmonton is -120 to win the series and to score the most goals. These numbers are mildly surprising given what happened last year and how the Oilers look.
As much as Dallas has a chance to win this series, the over of 6.5 games at +175 is tough to consider. Let us go off the norm. Could there be a game where 10+ goals are scored? It is a coin flip with -115 numbers on each side. By the way, none of the games combined last year saw more than eight goals.
A slightly safer bet may be no shutouts at -165 via BetMGM. Goals are going to be scored, but how many? Again, expecting shutouts in this series is a tall order given last year and how these two teams play.
Edmonton’s depth should be a difference maker, especially if Evander Kane continues to score goals. Kane led the Oilers in playoff goals with 13 in 2022. The forward shoots a lot (5+ shot attempts in four of five games against Vegas). Expect that versus Dallas and the goal potential.
Series Predictions: No shutouts (-165 via BetMGM).
Evander Kane to score 3+ goals in this series (+400 via BetMGM).
How About One Bet Walking Out?
Thomas Harley has enjoyed the return of Miro Heiskanen, as Harley can focus more on the offensive side of things. He has two goals and three assists in his last four games. The blueliner is playing well again. Go for the goal!
Pick: Thomas Harley anytime goal (+600 via DraftKings)
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