DKNetwork Logo DKNetwork Logo
Dallas Stars vs. Edmonton Oilers prediction, pick for Game 1 of NHL Playoffs WCF

Dallas Stars vs. Edmonton Oilers prediction, pick for Game 1 of NHL Playoffs WCF

Sports Betting Picks NHL DraftKings Sportsbook Insights

Published:

By: Keagan Smith

Tonight, the NHL Western Conference Final begins as the Dallas Stars host the Edmonton Oilers at 8 p.m. EST. After these two teams met in last season’s WCF before Edmonton ended Dallas’ season, there’s sure to be some bad blood in this one. This Stars team isn’t the same as last year’s, though, and they look to avenge that loss and start punching their ticket to a Stanley Cup Final appearance this evening.

Here’s a Stars vs. Oilers Game 1 prediction and pick for tonight’s action on DraftKings Sportsbook.

Stars vs. Oilers Game 1 prediction, pick

The home-team Stars enter Game 1 of this best-of-seven with -130 odds to take the opening contest on the Moneyline and +185 odds to cover the -1.5 puck line. As for the Oilers, they’re +110 to win outright on the Moneyline and -225 to keep things close and cover at +1.5. The game total has been set at 6.5 combined goals on DraftKings Sportsbook.

Game 1 of a series often ends up as an opportunity for each side to test the waters, so picking an outcome tonight feels a bit difficult. On one hand, the Oilers bring a potent offense scoring nearly four goals a game, as well as the best player between the two teams in Connor McDavid. Their attack remains extremely difficult to stop, especially when Leon Draisaitl starts heating up alongside McDavid.

On the flip side, the Stars’ defense looks more than capable of limiting their opponents’ effectiveness thanks to superb play from goaltender Jake Oettinger with an impressive .919 SV% and 2.47 GAA through the postseason, as well as Miro Heiskanen’s continuous improvement as he gets back up to speed following his return from injury. While Dallas’ defense isn’t an immovable object, they’re definitely a very tough wall to crack for the Oilers’ unstoppable force.

While Edmonton’s goalie isn’t nearly as good as Dallas’, Stuart Skinner comes into this evening on the heels of two straight shutouts last round. His stats through this postseason don’t look great, but he’s showing signs of heating up when it matters most. Over 22.5 saves for the Oilers’ netminder looks solid at -125 odds.

Best bet: Stuart Skinner Over 22.5 Saves (-125)

Keagan Smith
Keagan Smith
Keagan is a Texas-based editor and analyst who believes sports are the true eighth wonder of the world. After starting out in local media, he’s provided coverage for DraftKings Network since 2024. He gravitates toward football, hoops and hockey, but is happy to watch and write about any game that involves a ball or a puck. While his own athletic career ended in middle school, he’s also an avid fantasy player with a soft spot for dynasty formats, spending countless hours crafting the ever-elusive perfect squad.
Disclaimer

I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skills and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.