The Dallas Stars’ Quest for the Stanley Cup Final
The Dallas Stars are running it back, in more ways than one. For the third season in a row, Dallas finds itself in the Western Conference finals. For the second consecutive postseason, the Stars’ opponent this round will be the Edmonton Oilers. Will the third time be the charm for the Stars to punch their ticket back to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since the 2020 bubble?
Expert Predictions
Here’s what our experts have to say about the series:
Sports Roundup
Lia Assimakopoulos’ Analysis
It doesn’t get any easier in the West, but the Stars are the closest they’ve been to full strength since the start of the year. Miro Heiskanen is back to playing 20-plus minutes a night, and it’s only a matter of time before Jason Robertson, Matt Duchene and Co. start finding the net. This Stars team, which also leads the league in power-play goals, hasn’t reached its full potential yet and will be hungry for revenge. Though, the Oilers, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are no easy matchup. Special teams and goaltending will give the Stars a slight edge. Stars in 7 games.
Tim Cowlishaw’s Take
Another heavyweight battle for the Stars. This one feels different from a year ago as Mikko Rantanen leads the league in scoring and Stars’ power play has been much more dangerous than Edmonton’s, especially when the Oilers are on the road. Wouldn’t discount the fact that Edmonton has won eight of its last nine games with the only loss coming in the final second of regulation against Vegas. But Dallas seems to have more pieces in place this time around. Stars in 6 games.
Kevin Sherrington’s Insight
Going into this season, only four teams had gone to three straight conference finals, and all four won it all at least once. Three — Tampa Bay, Chicago and Los Angeles — won two. The Stars are just trying to make the Final for the first time under Pete DeBoer. Feels like a tipping point. Stars in 7 games.
Stars’ Preparation
X’s and O’s: See photos from Dallas Stars practice prior to Western Conference finals
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More Stars Coverage
Find more Stars coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
Conclusion
The Dallas Stars are ready to face the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference finals for the second consecutive postseason. With their closest-to-full-strength lineup since the start of the year, the Stars are hungry for revenge and looking to punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2020. Our experts predict a thrilling series, with the Stars having a slight edge due to their special teams and goaltending. Will the third time be the charm for the Stars?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who are the Dallas Stars’ opponents in the Western Conference finals?
A: The Dallas Stars’ opponents in the Western Conference finals are the Edmonton Oilers.
Q: How many times have the Stars made it to the Western Conference finals in a row?
A: The Stars have made it to the Western Conference finals for the third season in a row.
Q: Who are some of the key players for the Stars?
A: Some of the key players for the Stars include Miro Heiskanen, Jason Robertson, Matt Duchene, and Tyler Seguin.
Q: What is the Stars’ record in the Western Conference finals?
A: The Stars have not won the Western Conference finals since 2020, but our experts predict they have a good chance of winning this year.
