Stars vs Oilers Game 5

Backs Against the Wall, Stars Return Home With Season on the Line

The Dallas Stars return home for Game 5 of the Western Conference Final trailing 3–1 and needing a win to avoid elimination. After back-to-back losses in Edmonton, the Stars face their toughest test of the postseason but this veteran group has consistently responded when it matters most.

Despite the lopsided scores in Games 3 and 4, Dallas has been more competitive than the numbers suggest. The Stars have outshot the Oilers in two of four games and tied once, showing they’ve been able to drive play at even strength. But special teams and finishing have been the difference.

Dallas opened the series with a strong 6–3 win in Game 1, but Edmonton responded with a 3–0 shutout in Game 2 and carried that momentum home, where they outscored the Stars 10–2 in Games 3 and 4 combined.

Special teams have played a massive role in the series. Edmonton is 5-for-14 on the power play, scoring at least one goal with the man advantage in all four games. Dallas, meanwhile, is 4-for-12, but three of those goals came in Game 1. They’ve managed just one power play goal over the last three games, a stretch that’s mirrored their offensive struggles at even strength.

Back at home with last change, the Stars are in a better position to manage matchups and re-establish the structure that helped them control stretches of 5-on-5 play earlier in the series. With more discipline and sharper execution, Dallas is capable of staying alive and forcing Game 6.

Best Bet: Dallas Stars ML -130

This is a classic bounce-back spot for a team with veteran leadership, playoff composure, and strong even-strength metrics. With their backs against the wall and home ice on their side, expect Dallas to deliver a more complete effort and extend the series.