The Western Conference finals are set, as the defending conference champion Edmonton Oilers will take on the Dallas Stars, led by the phenomenal play of Mikko Rantanen. It’s a rematch from last season’s conference final, where the Oilers came out on top in six games.
The Oilers have been on a heater since starting round one with a 2-0 series deficit against the Los Angeles Kings. Since then, the Oilers have lost just one game, winning four in a row against the Kings before taking down the Golden Knights in five games. Unsurprisingly, the team is being led by superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who have combined for 33 points in 11 games. The Oilers lead all teams with 43 playoff goals, averaging nearly 4 goals per game.
The Oilers have also benefited from standout play by defenseman Evan Bouchard, who leads the team with 26:24 of ice time per game in the playoffs, while contributing 12 points and a team-high 13 takeaways. This continues Bouchard’s tremendous playoff run from last season, when he recorded 32 points and a plus-14 rating, helping the Oilers reach Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
An intriguing storyline for the Oilers heading into the Western Conference Final is the performance of their goaltenders. Despite the team cruising through two rounds, Calvin Pickard and Stuart Skinner have combined for just an .886 save percentage, which doesn’t inspire much confidence during a playoff run. At some point, it stands to reason that the Oilers may struggle to sustain their momentum with that level of goaltending. That said, Pickard has been perfect since stepping in as the starter, posting a 6-0 record and providing timely saves when needed.
The Stars are being carried by Rantanen, whose league-leading 19 playoff points have been nothing short of spectacular. However, offensive support from the rest of the roster has been inconsistent. Wyatt Johnston, who tallied 71 points during the regular season, has managed just eight in the playoffs and carries a troubling minus-13 rating. Veterans Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn have struggled to make an impact, while 20-goal scorers Evgenii Dadonov and Mikael Granlund have failed to replicate their regular-season production. Despite Rantanen’s heroics, Dallas enters the Western Conference Final with a minus-four goal differential.
That also includes the exceptional goaltending of Jake Oettinger, who has posted a .919 save percentage through 13 playoff games. The 26-year-old has been a consistently reliable performer in the postseason, carrying a .913 save percentage over 60 career appearances. His steady presence in the net will be critical as Dallas prepares to face Edmonton’s high-powered offense.
So, what will win out: the Oilers’ explosive offense, or the Stars’ stout goaltending and the heroics of Rantanen? It’s a clash of strengths that could define the rematch. Vote in our poll, then head to the comment section below to share your thinking!
This will be one hell of a series to watch. Whoever wins this Edmonton/Dallas series will more than likely win the Cup this season I truly feel. These 2 teams have been absolutely resilient in these playoffs.
Rantanen/McDavid/Draisaitl have the top 3 best offensive players in these playoffs overall.
Coin flip, though I’m rooting for Dallas.
Who cares?
Edmonton, in 7, in a nailbiter.
Dallas in 6 but I hope I’m wrong.
I want Dallas and Carolina so Carolina can best rantanen.
Gonna be FLA-Dallas in the finals!
Nice thought though!
more Carolina’s fault for not negotiating a sign and trade, atleast they got an answer before the deadline unlike with Tavares which Isles fans are forsure still salty about to this day lol
Dallas. Oettinger will be the difference
I don’t trust Skinner much given his inconsistencies, 2 games doesn’t prove much too me, Dallas essentially has 3 1st lines on most teams and are now fully healthy, i dont expect a sweep but i think Dallas will get their revenge for last years Western Conference Finals and win in 6, sad that Pavelski didn’t come out of retirement at the deadline like some have (ex. Mike Fisher) as a Blackhawks fan i really wanted to see him change his mind and make 1 final run
If Otter keeps playing like he has, it’ll be tough for anyone to beat Dallas.