The Oilers are just one win away from returning to the Stanley Cup Finals, and with the Panthers advancing on Wednesday, a rematch from last year. We’ll break down the game and see if the Oilers can advance or if the Stars will stay alive for another day.
Thursday's Best NHL Playoffs Same Game Parlay (SGP) Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Edmonton Oilers at Dallas Stars
- Leg 1: Oilers Moneyline (+110)
- Leg 2: Oilers Over 2.5 Goals (-155)
- Leg 3: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins 1+ Points (-165)
The Oilers are just one win away from returning to the Stanley Cup Finals, and with the Panthers advancing on Wednesday, a rematch from last year. After an epic collapse of allowing five goals in the third period in Game 1, they have regrouped and controlled the rest of the series.
Their top line has some best collection of talent in the league, but if they are finally going to get over the hump and win it all with this group, the need to get contributions from the the deeper lines. We're starting to see guys besides Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid contribute; in Game 4, Corey Perry broke the 1-1 tie, while Kasperi Kapanen and Adam Henrique sealed it in the third. Draisaitl and McDavid have played a large part, but Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been the top player with nine points, including five assists, in the last two games. He's been opening up things for the entire offense.
The Oilers’ defense has also significantly improved in the playoffs. They have allowed one or fewer goals in five of the last six games, including three shutouts. The blue line has been doing its part by allowing just 27.2 shots on goal per over the last seven, and it's taken pressure off Stuart Skinner, who had been benched previously, prior to Calvin Pickard's injury.
With Edmonton playing both sides of the puck very well, it has left the Stars unable to continue the momentum they gained from the win in Game 1. There are some numbers that do favor Dallas, including a 53.04% Corsi rate, which means they are controlling the puck possession, but they have not been able to do anything with these chances. Secondly, the inconsistency of the defensive line is putting a lot of pressure on Jake Oettinger, and with every forward line combination of Oilers being productive, the Stars goalie is struggling with only a .869 save percentage in this series.
Jason Robertson has been the only forward to contribute with the his two goals in the last three games, but everyone else has disappeared. That includes Mikko Rantanen, who was having a Conn Smythe-like run leading up to this series, but has been reduced to two assists in the four games.
With every part of the Oilers clicking, they could close this series tonight.
Parlay Odds: +455
