Prediction, Pick, and Betting Odds for Game 2 between Oilers and Stars (Friday, May 23)

The Edmonton Oilers will aim to balance the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars in Game 2, held at American Airlines Center on Friday night. The Stars won the series opener 6-3, with a spirited third period that handed them the lead.

The Oilers held the upper hand in play for 40 minutes before penalties marked the third period, creating a noticeable shift in momentum. Despite this, sportsbooks are slightly favoring the Stars as home favorites. However, this analyst sees potential value in the total in the Oilers vs Stars odds.

ESPN will air the game at 8:00 PM ET, with the potentially decisive outcome of the series hinging on the event.

Edmonton Oilers vs Dallas Stars Prediction

Wednesday's opener demonstrated contrasting stories. Through the first two periods, we witnessed strategic, defensive play with limited scoring opportunities. The third period, however, was marred by chaos, as the Stars capitalized on three power plays in less than six minutes, with Miro Heiskanen, Mikael Granlund, and Matt Duchene all scoring with the man advantage. Add an empty-netter, and a 3-3 game soon became a lopsided 6-3 result.

The underlying numbers provide a clearer image. At 5-on-5, the Oilers dominated play with a 55.5% Corsi For percentage and had a 59% edge in expected goals. Connor McDavid's line, in partnership with Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, was exceptionally dominant, recording a staggering 75.0 CF% and 84.4 xGF%. Leon Draisaitl also played a significant role in driving play, maintaining a 61.3 CF% despite rotating wingers.

Goaltender Stuart Skinner performed well at even strength, stopping shots at a .909 clip with 0.10 goals saved above expected. Jake Oettinger, on the other hand, posted his first sub-.900 save percentage of the playoffs. Both netminders are capable of improved performances, and the analyst expects them to deliver in Game 2.

Oilers vs Stars Advanced Playoff Stats

The key to success for the Oilers? Maintaining discipline. Their 15th-ranked penalty kill (62.2%) could prove to be a critical weakness against Dallas' lethal power play, which is operating at a 34.9% success rate (second in the playoffs). The Stars have shown that they can punish undisciplined play, and the Oilers committed several "unnecessary" penalties in Game 1.

History suggests a tighter contest is forthcoming. Last year's Western Conference Final between these teams saw only two of six games exceed six goals. Both coaches will likely focus on emphasizing discipline and structure after Wednesday's penalty-filled game. The stage is set for a playoff classic.

Oilers vs Stars Pick

Under 6.5 Total Goals (-115)

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CLAIM OFFERGame 1's high scoreline has created a favorable situation for the under. Remove the three power-play goals and empty-netter, and you have a battle of defensive resolve. The 5-on-5 play generated just 4.64 expected goals with a mere 17 high-danger chances - numbers that signify low scoring.

Edmonton brings a strong record of road unders, cashing in 32 of their last 55 away games (+8.70 units). Meanwhile, Dallas has the 4th-best goals against average (2.93) and 2nd-ranked penalty kill (84.8%) in the playoffs. If the Oilers can restrain their penalties, scoring opportunities should be in short supply.

Edmonton Oilers vs Dallas Stars Odds

The total sits at 6.5, with a slight bias toward the under at -115. The Stars are listed as -120 home favorites, while the Oilers present value at +100 on the moneyline.

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According to NHL public betting trends, 86% of bets and money have landed on the over - an opportune moment to oppose the public. The perception is that this might be another high-scoring game, but the juice on Under 6.5 highlights where the money is going. When the sharp money aligns against the public, it's worth taking notice.

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In Game 2 of the Western Conference Final, the Edmonton Oilers, despite their strong performance in the first two periods, are deemed underdogs by sportsbooks as they prepare to face the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center.
This analyst believes that there could be potential value in the total for the Oilers vs Stars game, as the total goals odds suggest a slightly higher-scoring game than what the underlying numbers imply.
TheMoneyline for the Oilers presents value at +100, according to the odds at BET99SPORTSBOOK. This could be an attractive option for those who see parity between the two teams.
History suggests a tight contest between the Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars, with only two of their six games last year exceeding six goals. With both coaches likely to emphasize discipline and structure, the stage is set for a playoff classic potentially leaning towards the under in total goals.