We told you we’d be in for a close one!
The Stars erased a 3-1 deficit in Game 1, scoring five unanswered goals in a 6-3 victory to take an early series lead. Dallas’ result was enough to shift the odds in their favor, but many pundits still expect this series to be a long one.
How to watch Edmonton Oilers at Dallas Stars
Venue: American Airlines Center — Dallas
Time: 8 p.m. ET, Friday
TV (U.S.): ESPN
TV (CAN): Sportsnet, CBC, TVA Sports
Stream: Fubo (try for free)
Watching in person? Get tickets on StubHub.
Games on ESPN can also be streamed on ESPN+.
Oilers at Stars Game 2
Dallas leads the series 1-0
Series odds: Stars -185, Oilers +150
When the Stars needed them most, their depth shone through in a pinch. Matt Duchene hadn’t scored a goal all postseason long until he etched his name on the scoresheet in Game 1. Tyler Seguin had two goals in 13 playoff games this spring. He scored twice in Game 1. Mikael Granlund joined in on the party with a goal and an assist. Even Esa Lindell added an empty-net goal. It isn’t just the Oilers who have a potent offence, the Stars can score goals, too.
And of course, after we highlighted Miro Heiskanen’s greatness ahead of the series, he scored a goal and an assist of his own. Dallas can’t afford to play too much from behind against Edmonton. But if they have to, they’ve shown they can come back in games.
Meanwhile, it’s been a fascinating postseason, to say the least, for Stuart Skinner. The Oilers’ netminder has posted a save percentage of .833 or lower in four of his six playoff appearances this spring. In fairness to him, it looked like he had a chance at finishing above .900 in Game 1 until the Stars scored five unanswered. Edmonton’s big guns can often be counted on to take over games. But they need better from their goaltending.
Despite only boasting a 4-3 record on the road, it’s the second-best road record among teams in this year’s playoffs, just behind Florida. And before that loss, Edmonton had won its last four road games. It shouldn’t take Edmonton much to get back to its road-winning ways.
Expert picks
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(Top photo: Sam Hodde / Getty Images)