The Dallas Stars host the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals in what figures to be a thrilling NHL playoff series.
The playoffs haven’t been easy for Dallas, which survived a seven-game battle with the Colorado Avalanche and then saw off the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Winnipeg Jets in six. Winger Mikko Rantanen, who came to the Stars at the trade deadline, leads all players with nine goals and 19 points, while goalie Jake Oettinger has stood tall despite facing 102 more shots than anyone else in these playoffs.
For Edmonton, everything may be coming together at a perfect moment. The Oilers were down 2-0 in the first round, but have since won eight of nine to eliminate the Los Angeles Kings and Vegas Golden Knights. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have combined for 25 assists for a team that has weaponized its outstanding team speed to earn this shot at a Stanley Cup Final berth.
Here’s what to know about Game 1 of the Western Conference finals between the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers, including how to watch:
What time is Stars vs. Oilers NHL playoff game?
Game 1 of the NHL’s Western Conference finals between the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers begins Wednesday night at 8 p.m. ET at American Airlines Center in Dallas.
How to watch Stars vs. Oilers NHL playoff game: TV, stream
Time: 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. local
Location: American Airlines Center (Dallas)
TV: ESPN
Stream: ESPN+, Fubo
Watch Game 1 of the Stars-Oilers series on Fubo
Stars still deciding defense/forward split vs. Oilers
Coach Peter DeBoer said Wednesday morning he hadn’t decided whether he’ll stick with seven defensemen and 11 forwards in games against the Oilers. He did that in the last round when Miro Heiskanen returned from injury, so the defenseman didn’t have to play big minutes right away. Forward Mikko Rantanen got double-shifted.
Oilers’ Connor Brown is game-time decision
Oilers forward Connor Brown is a game-time decision, coach Kris Knoblauch said.
If Brown (undisclosed injury) can’t go, Viktor Arvidsson would get into Game 1 after missing the past two games.
“I have no hesitation to have him in the lineup,” Knoblauch said of Arvidsson.
Western Conference finals predictions
Predictions from USA TODAY staffers:
Jason Anderson: Stars in 6. Both teams have players lighting it up on the offensive end in the postseason. Mikko Rantanen has 19 points for Dallas, while Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have combined for 25 assists. It’s at the other end where each team has had issues, with Edmonton’s goalies combining for a .886 save percentage. The Stars have given up a whopping 408 shots in the playoffs, but Jake Oettinger has been up to the challenge, leading the league in some key underlying metrics for goaltenders. Expect plenty of goals in this series, but ultimately Dallas moves on.
Mike Brehm: Stars in 7. The Oilers are deeper than they were last season, but so are the Stars, with the additions of forwards Mikko Rantanen and Mikael Granlund. Defenseman Thomas Harley took a big jump when Miro Heiskanen was hurt, and now Heiskanen is back. This series will go the distance because Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm will return at some point. The Stars get the edge in the series finale because they’re at home, and coach Peter DeBoer is 9-0 in Game 7.
Jace Evans: Oilers in 6. Seeking to erase last season’s heartbreak, Edmonton has some team of destiny vibes. They looked completely on the ropes against the Kings in the first round only to rally in wild fashion and win six consecutive games after switching to Calvin Pickard in net. After Pickard was injured, Stuart Skinner got his job back and responded with two consecutive shutouts to oust the Golden Knights. You need some magic to win the Stanley Cup. It certainly feels like the Oilers have it. (And having Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl also helps.)
