NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Sunday (Stars vs. Oilers)
The Oilers collapsed in Game 1 by allowing five goals in the third period. They were able to regroup and get a 3-0 win in Game 2, and now this series is tied as they head to Edmonton. We will break down this matchup and give out our best NHL bet for Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. Here are our top NHL picks for Sunday’s game between the Stars and Oilers.
Sunday's NHL Best Bets & Picks: Stars vs. Oilers
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Dallas Stars (+136) at Edmonton Oilers (-162) | O/U 6.5 (+105/-125)
If the Oilers are going to finally get over hump and hoist the Stanley Cup, they will need to get contributions from the deeper lines. They got that in Game 2 with goals from defenseman Brett Kulak and deeper line forward Connor Brown. They still got contributions from Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, with each having an assist. The defenses will emphasize stopping McDavid and Draisaitl, so if other guys can contribute, then it will free them up for scoring chances.
Their biggest transformation recently has come from the Oilers’ defense. This was not a team known for its defensive toughness, but they now have shutouts in three of the last four games. It's all about limiting the shots on goal and not putting too much pressure on Stuart Skinner. We've seen Skinner's inconsistencies throughout the playoffs, which led to him being benched before Calvin Pickard’s injury, but Edmonton has been limiting the shot opportunities. Of the three shutouts, they've all been on 25 or fewer shots on goal.
As great as the Stars’ offense can be, they also have games where they don't show up. This is now the fourth game of the playoffs where they have failed to score a goal. It all has to do with poor puck management. Several times in Game 2, bad passes led to giveaways at key times. The Stars need to be more aggressive in attacking the net. They looked hesitant in Game 2. It felt like they were waiting for the Oilers to make the same defensive mistakes as in Game 1.
From what we’ve seen from Edmonton’s defense, Game 1 seems to be an outlier, as the defense regained itself in Game 2. Dallas can battle back, but Edmonton also has the offensive capabilities to compete.
Pick: Oilers Moneyline (-162)