Oilers on Brink of Stanley Cup Final as Stars Face Do-or-Die Game 5 Challenge

The Edmonton Oilers have surged to a 3-1 series lead over the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference finals, putting them one win away from reaching the Stanley Cup Final for the second year in a row. Game 5 is set for Thursday night, and the pressure is squarely on the Stars to keep their season alive. Historically, some teams thrive under immense pressure, and the Stars will need to channel that energy if they hope to push the series back to Alberta for Game 6.

Oilers Favored Heavily as History and Home Advantage Work Against the Stars

The betting odds heavily favor the Oilers, whose odds to win the series ballooned from -375 to -1200 after their Game 4 win. The Stars now face +600 odds to stage a comeback, up from +280. Edmonton is also the favorite to win the Stanley Cup at +110, with Dallas trailing at +1400. Connor McDavid leads the race for the Conn Smythe Trophy with +130 odds, followed by teammate Leon Draisaitl at +650.

The Oilers have been formidable at home this postseason, going 6-1 and outscoring opponents 33-17. Historically, they are dominant when leading a series 3-1, winning 17 of 18 such series. In contrast, the Stars have struggled mightily on the road, particularly in first periods—they have been outscored 10-0 in the opening frame through eight road games, a first in Stanley Cup playoff history. Dallas has never come back from a 3-1 deficit in a best-of-seven series, having lost all 16 prior attempts.

Stars Struggle as Oilers’ Key Players Shine Bright in Pivotal Game 4

Leon Draisaitl’s Game 4 contributions included a power-play goal and an assist, tying him with legends Wayne Gretzky and Glenn Anderson for most game-opening playoff goals in Oilers history. He also climbed to fourth in franchise history for power-play goals in the postseason.

Connor McDavid’s consistency continues to impress—his 45 playoff games with two or more points now outnumber games with one or fewer points. Goalie Stuart Skinner has been solid, posting a 5-1 record over his past six starts and moving to third all-time in playoff wins for the Oilers.

While Jason Robertson has been a bright spot with his power-play performance, the Stars have seen struggles from key players like Mikko Rantanen, who is in the midst of a seven-game goalless streak. Goalie Jake Oettinger is on the verge of climbing the all-time U.S.-born goaltenders’ playoff wins list, currently tied for fourth.

But Dallas will need more than individual efforts to overcome the Oilers’ momentum and rewrite their postseason history. Game 5 will determine whether the Stars can defy the odds or see their season come to an end.