The Western Conference Finals are set, and with the Edmonton Oilers making the next round of the postseason, there are officially only four teams left in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Oilers are set to take on the Dallas Stars, with the winner advancing to the Stanley Cup Final. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know before the puck drops for the series.
Where is the Oilers vs. Stars series?
The Oilers are the only team left in the Stanley Cup Playoffs who didn't win their division. That means that the Stars will have the home-ice advantage, and they will host Games 1, 2, 5, and 7 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The Oilers arena is Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, and that venue will host Games 3, 4, and 6.
How to watch Oilers vs. Stars
Game 1: Oilers @ Stars on Thursday, May 23 at 8:30 p.m. ET – TNT
Game 2: Oilers @ Stars on Saturday, May 25 at 8 p.m. ET – TNT
Game 3: Stars @ Oilers on Monday, May 27 at TBD – TNT
Game 4: Stars @ Oilers on Wednesday, May 29 at TBD – TNT
Game 5: Oilers @ Stars on Friday, May 31 at TBD – TNT
Game 6: Stars @ Oilers on Sunday, June 2 at TBD – TNT
Game 7: Oilers @ Stars on Tuesday, June 4 at TBD – TNT
Western Conference Final storylines
The Oilers dominated back in the '80s when they had the best player in the league, Wayne Gretzky. The team won four Stanley Cups with the GOAT on their roster. Connor McDavid is the best player in the NHL these days, but he has yet to win it all for Edmonton. The three time Hart Memorial Trophy winner has a chance to get to the big dance this season, but he will first have to get through a Stars team that has impressed during the playoffs.
Dallas played very well against a Colorado Avalanche team with arguably the best offense in the NHL. Their victory over the 2022 Stanley Cup champions came after they dethroned the defending champion Vegas Golden Knights in Round 1. Dallas has shutdown defense, and while slowing down McDavid is never easy, the Stars are one of the few teams who might be able to do so.
The Oilers have much more talent than just the Hart Trophy winner, though. Leon Draisaitl's 24 postseason points are the most in the NHL, and Zach Hyman's 11 postseason goals are the most in the league. Evan Bouchard (20) and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (16) even rank third and fourth in postseason points this year. Bouchard became the first defenseman ever with 20 points through the first two rounds. The team's offense has been on a tear, and they might be able to overwhelm Dallas' defense.
However, the Stars did go 2-0-1 against the Oilers in the regular season, and they historically have Edmonton's number in the postseason. The two have matched up eight times in the playoffs, and the Stars have one each of those last five series.
Wyatt Johnston has been Dallas' goals leader throughout the playoffs. His seven goals are tied for the fourth most in the league. Jake Oettinger has been holding it down in the net, too, as his 2.09 goals against average in the postseason is the best of remaining goaltenders.
All four of the teams remaining in the playoffs, including the Florida Panthers and New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference, have come just short of hoisting the Stanley Cup in recent years. One of those teams will accomplish that feat this year. So, who do you think will win in the Western Conference Final?
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