Oilers vs Stars Picks and Prediction – 5/24/2025

Edmonton and Dallas are back at it in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals after the Stars took the opener 6-3 at home. The Oilers, now trailing the series 1-0, bring a 48-29-5 record into Dallas, while the Stars stand at 50-26-6 and 28-10-3 at home. It’s a quick turnaround as both teams look to control the momentum with puck drop set for 6:00 PM EST at American Airlines Center. Hit the ice running with our NHL picks.

Edmonton started Game 1 with energy but faded fast, surrendering six goals, including five in the final frame. That loss ended a stretch where the Oilers had won four of five, including two shutouts against Vegas. Leon Draisaitl continues to carry the load with 106 points, and Connor McDavid is right behind him with 74 assists. Offensively, they’re still lethal and average 3.16 goals per game with a 23.7% success rate on the power play.

Defensively, there’s some concern. Stuart Skinner owns a 2.81 GAA with a .896 save percentage, and backup Calvin Pickard is out until May 29, putting added pressure on Skinner. Edmonton’s penalty kill sits at just 78.2%, and they’ve given up 45 power-play goals. The Oilers are allowing 27 shots per game, but defensive injuries like Mattias Ekholm’s absence are a big blow heading into a critical road matchup.

Dallas exploded offensively in Game 1, scoring six goals with Jason Robertson and Matt Duchene continuing to lead the charge. Robertson has 35 goals while Duchene paces the team with 82 points. Dallas has now won four of its last five, and they’ve looked locked in both at home and in crunch time. The Stars have been able to wear teams down and pounce late, which showed clearly in Game 1.

Defensively, Dallas brings the edge. Jake Oettinger’s 2.59 GAA and .909 save percentage have been solid all year. The Stars give up 2.71 goals per game and are better on special teams too, with an 82% penalty kill and a 22% power play. They're disciplined, have fewer penalty minutes, and have goaltending depth with Casey DeSmith also standing strong if needed. With Edmonton missing key blue-liners, Dallas holds the defensive upper hand again.

Dallas showed why they were the top seed left in the West with a dominant third period in Game 1 and a deeper, more balanced team overall. The Oilers' offensive weapons can explode, but defensive lapses and injuries are an issue. The Stars have better goaltending, stronger special teams, and the home ice advantage. Final Score Prediction: Dallas Stars win 4-2.