Dallas Stars vs Edmonton Oilers Picks and Predictions October 19th 2024

Stars host Oilers in rematch of Western Conference finals

The Dallas Stars are set to face the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday afternoon in what promises to be an intense rematch of last season’s Western Conference finals. With the Oilers eliminating the Stars in six games during the 2023 playoffs, Dallas will be looking for a measure of revenge as they clash once again, this time on home ice at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.

Dallas Stars: Aiming for Redemption

Oettinger’s Elite Form Drives Dallas’ Success

A key storyline heading into this game is the form of Dallas Stars’ goaltender Jake Oettinger. Oettinger was a standout performer during the Stars’ 2023 playoff run, holding his own against the Oilers’ high-powered offense. His consistent excellence has not gone unnoticed—Dallas rewarded the 25-year-old with an eight-year, $66 million contract extension, cementing him as the franchise’s go-to netminder for years to come.

“Jake has established himself as one of the elite goaltenders in the NHL,” Stars general manager Jim Nill said. “His blend of poise, size, and mental toughness has elevated our team to new heights.” With Oettinger manning the crease, Dallas is optimistic about making another deep playoff run.

This season, Oettinger has been stellar. He has won all three of his starts, allowing just five goals on 97 shots, including a shutout performance against the New York Islanders. Dallas will once again look to Oettinger to hold down the fort against a potent Oilers offense led by Connor McDavid.

Dallas’ Strong Start Marred by Power Play Woes

The Stars kicked off the 2023-24 season with a four-game winning streak before falling to the Washington Capitals in a close 3-2 contest on Thursday. Despite their strong overall play, Dallas has struggled mightily on the power play, converting just once in 17 attempts (1-for-17). Head coach Pete DeBoer addressed the issue following the Washington loss, emphasizing the need for execution during critical moments. “We’ve got to get a power-play goal in a game like that,” DeBoer said.

The power play could be a decisive factor in Saturday’s game. If the Stars want to exact revenge on the Oilers, they’ll need to start capitalizing on these opportunities.

Wyatt Johnston: Rising Star for Dallas

Another bright spot for Dallas has been the emergence of forward Wyatt Johnston. The 20-year-old has opened the season with points in each of his first five games (one goal, four assists), continuing the momentum he built during last year’s playoffs, where he tallied five points (three goals, two assists) in the series against the Oilers.

Johnston’s growth has been instrumental in the Stars’ offensive game, and his chemistry with star winger Jason Robertson was evident again on Thursday, when he assisted on Robertson’s second-period goal against Washington. Dallas will be counting on Johnston to continue his breakout performance on Saturday.

NHL Picks and Predictions

Edmonton Oilers: McDavid Leading the Charge

Connor McDavid: Unstoppable Force

As usual, much of the focus for Edmonton revolves around their captain and offensive juggernaut, Connor McDavid. McDavid was a dominant force in last year’s Western Conference finals, racking up 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in six games to help the Oilers advance past Dallas. His postseason brilliance earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy, even though the Oilers eventually fell to the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final.

This season, McDavid has picked up where he left off. After being held off the scoresheet in the Oilers’ season opener, he now has five points (one goal, four assists) over his last four games. McDavid scored his first goal of the season on Thursday, leading Edmonton to a 4-2 victory over the Nashville Predators.

The Oilers will need McDavid at his best against a Dallas team determined to turn the tables. His playmaking ability, speed, and vision are crucial, and he will look to exploit any weaknesses in Dallas’ defense.

Jeff Skinner’s Seamless Transition

Another key player to watch for Edmonton is Jeff Skinner, who is enjoying a strong start to his first season with the team. Skinner has recorded four points (two goals, two assists) in as many games, and he credits his new teammates for making his transition smooth. “There are a lot of guys in here that have been together for a while and have great chemistry,” Skinner said. “Playing off of those guys has been an adjustment, but I think it’s gotten better every time I’ve been out there.”

Skinner’s growing chemistry with his teammates could be vital in creating offensive depth beyond McDavid, giving Edmonton another weapon to break down a sturdy Stars defense.

Power Play Struggles: A Shared Concern

Interestingly, both the Stars and the Oilers enter this game with underperforming power plays, despite their offensive firepower. Dallas has converted just 5.8% of its opportunities with the man advantage (1-for-17), while Edmonton hasn’t fared much better, sitting at 1-for-13 (7.7%).

For both teams, fixing their power play units could be the difference in what is expected to be a tightly contested game. Edmonton’s McDavid-led power play is known for its ability to generate chances, but they’ve yet to hit their stride this season. Similarly, Dallas’ unit, which includes dynamic forwards like Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz, has been stuck in neutral.

Whichever team breaks through first with a power-play goal could take control of the game, especially with both teams relying heavily on special teams to decide close contests.

Game Preview: What to Watch For

• Goaltending Showdown: Jake Oettinger vs. the Oilers’ offense. Can Oettinger continue his hot start against a team that has historically given him trouble?
• Connor McDavid’s Impact: McDavid’s influence on any game is immense. Dallas will need to contain him to stand a chance.
• Power Play Execution: Both teams need improvement on the power play. The first team to find success with the man advantage may tip the scales.
• Emerging Young Stars: Wyatt Johnston’s growth as a player could give Dallas a new dimension that the Oilers haven’t had to face before.

Conclusion: A Clash of Western Powerhouses

This Saturday’s matchup between the Stars and Oilers is more than just another regular-season game—it’s a chance for Dallas to reclaim some pride after last year’s playoff exit. With Jake Oettinger in net and emerging players like Wyatt Johnston continuing to shine, the Stars have the tools to challenge Edmonton. However, containing Connor McDavid will be a monumental task, as the Oilers look to build on their recent form.

In a game where both teams are still finding their footing on the power play, whichever side can solve that issue may emerge victorious. Expect a fast-paced, high-stakes contest that could offer a glimpse of what’s to come in another potential playoff showdown.