The Western Conference Final 2025 kicks off with a thrilling rematch between the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers. Both teams come into this series with high hopes and a chance at redemption. Last season, Edmonton defeated Dallas in six games, with Game 1 concluding in dramatic double overtime. Now, the stage is set for a new chapter in the Western Conference Final 2025 as both teams fight for a spot in the Stanley Cup Final.
This year, both teams arrive with lineup changes and renewed energy. For Dallas, it’s a chance at redemption. For Edmonton, it’s an opportunity to continue their playoff momentum.
Historically, teams that win Game 1 in a best-of-seven NHL playoff series win the series 68.1 percent of the time.
Edmonton Oilers: Strong Offense, Questionable Power Play
Key Performers
Connor McDavid leads the Oilers with 17 points in 11 playoff games. Leon Draisaitl is close behind with 16. Defenseman Evan Bouchard adds 12 points, the most among defensemen in the playoffs.
Depth and Challenges
Sixteen different Oilers players have scored in the postseason. This shows their depth is a real asset. However, the power play has struggled on the road. They are 0-for-14 so far in away games.
Goaltending Outlook
Stuart Skinner is back as the starting goaltender. He was benched earlier in the playoffs but bounced back with two shutouts to close the second round.
Dallas Stars: Balanced Roster, But Top Scorers Need to Step Up
Offensive Leaders
Mikko Rantanen leads all players in playoff points with 19. Defenseman Thomas Harley has added 11 points, proving to be a key contributor from the blue line.
Underperformers
Despite strong regular-season stats, Jason Robertson and Matt Duchene have yet to score in the playoffs. Combined, they scored 65 goals in the regular season.
Goaltending Stability
Jake Oettinger has been reliable. He holds a .919 save percentage and has eight wins so far in the postseason.
Key Factors to Watch
Special Teams
Last season, Edmonton scored four goals on the power play in 11 attempts. Meanwhile, Dallas failed to convert on 14 opportunities. This area could once again be decisive.
Goaltending Duel
Skinner enters Game 1 on a hot streak, but Oettinger has been more consistent. The battle on the net could determine the outcome.
Depth Scoring
Both teams have strong first lines. However, scoring from the bottom six could swing the game in either direction.
Projected Lineups
Edmonton Oilers
- Line 1: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Connor McDavid, Zach Hyman
- Line 2: Vasily Podkolzin, Leon Draisaitl, Kasperi Kapanen
- Line 3: Evander Kane, Adam Henrique, Connor Brown
- Line 4: Trent Frederic, Mattias Janmark, Corey Perry
- Defense: Brett Kulak – Evan Bouchard
- Defense: Darnell Nurse – Troy Stecher
- Defense: Jake Walman – John Klingberg
- Goalie: Stuart Skinner
- Backup: Olivier Rodrigue
- Injured: Mattias Ekholm, Calvin Pickard
- Game-time Decision: Connor Brown
Dallas Stars
- Line 1: Mikael Granlund, Roope Hintz, Mikko Rantanen
- Line 2: Jason Robertson, Matt Duchene, Wyatt Johnston
- Line 3: Tyler Seguin, Sam Steel, Mason Marchment
- Line 4: Jamie Benn, Evgenii Dadonov, Oskar Back
- Defense: Esa Lindell – Cody Ceci
- Defense: Lian Bichsel – Alexander Petrovic
- Defense: Thomas Harley – Miro Heiskanen
- Goalie: Jake Oettinger
- Backup: Casey DeSmith
- Injured: Nils Lundkvist
- Note: Coach Pete DeBoer may use 11 forwards and 7 defensemen
What the Players Are Saying
Connor McDavid on Dallas:
“They’re very structured and deep. That’s why they’re still playing. This will be a great challenge for us.”
Jake Oettinger on facing McDavid and Draisaitl:
“They’re not just playing on the rush anymore. They’re getting to the net and making things tougher in the crease.”
Final Thoughts and Prediction
Game 1 is expected to be intense and closely contested. Both teams are evenly matched and filled with star power. While Edmonton has the edge in top-end talent, Dallas holds home-ice advantage and depth.
Predicted score:
Dallas Stars 3 – Edmonton Oilers 2 (Overtime)
