Despite an improbable third-period comeback in Game 1 of the NHL Western Conference Final, it’s become increasingly clear over the last three games that this series might be over. The Edmonton Oilers downed the Dallas Stars in this round last season, and with a 3-1 lead, it looks like they’ll do so for the second time in as many years.
Here’s a Stars vs. Oilers Game 5 prediction and pick on DraftKings Sportsbook for this evening’s contest.
Stars vs. Oilers Game 5 prediction, pick
The Stars trail 3-1 but head back home to the American Airlines Center as -135 favorites to win on the Moneyline. The Oilers hold +114 odds to win outright with a game total of 5.5 combined goals.
Sure, Dallas took Game 1. The rest of this series has been a different story, though — and a very similar one to last season’s, at that. The Stars’ offense has completely dried up with two goals over their last three games, both from Jason Robertson. While goaltender Jake Oettinger played a great first two rounds, the defense keeps letting him down as the team looks pretty clearly outmatched.
The Oilers don’t appear fazed as they did at times last postseason, instead taking a grip with the opening goal in most contests this series and never looking back. They’ve rattled off three straight wins on the backs of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and a 40-year-old Corey Perry who quietly defies Father Time. The defense also looks great, with players taking up space to block shots in front of net while Stuart Skinner continues to shut down the attempts Dallas does manage to send hurtling his way. He’s a man on a mission at this point.
The Stars love to play from behind, but they’re now fully on the brink of elimination. Despite a couple of good periods to start the last two games, Dallas keeps falling flat over a full 60 minutes. Can they muster up enough strength to battle and survive for one more game in front of the home crowd? Of course, but things look very ugly lately for a team which had serious title aspirations. They simply seem defeated as they stare down an elimination game.
They’ve got to flip the switch ASAP, as the Oilers might just be too much to handle with their combination of speed and shot-making.
Best bet: EDM Oilers 60 Min Line (+175)
