2025 NHL Playoffs: Stars-Oilers Game 5 Preview

Some teams perform at their peak when facing elimination. The Dallas Stars are now in that challenging position.

The Edmonton Oilers have established a dominant 3-1 advantage over the Stars in the Western Conference Final series as they prepare for Game 5 on Thursday night.

Will the Stars manage to extend the series and send it back to Alberta for a sixth game on Saturday? Or will the Oilers close out the series at home and advance to the Stanley Cup Final for the second consecutive year to face the Florida Panthers?

Here are key notes on the upcoming matchup:

Matchup Notes

Dallas Stars at Edmonton Oilers
Game 5

Following Game 4, the Oilers` odds to win the Western Conference Final significantly improved, while the Stars` chances of a comeback diminished according to current betting markets. Edmonton is now also considered a strong contender for the Stanley Cup.

Edmonton has been formidable at home this postseason, holding a 6-1 record and outscoring opponents significantly. Historically, the Oilers have an excellent record when leading a best-of-seven series 3-1, with only one prior instance of losing the series.

Conversely, Dallas has struggled on the road, particularly in the first period, failing to score a single goal in the opening frame through eight road playoff games. The Stars have historically lost all best-of-seven series where they trailed 3-1.

Leon Draisaitl continues to climb the Oilers` playoff record books. In Game 4, his power-play goal marked his 13th career game-opening playoff goal, tying franchise legends Wayne Gretzky and Glenn Anderson. It was also his 20th career power-play goal in the postseason, placing him fourth in team history.

With another game registering multiple points, Connor McDavid now has more career playoff games with two or more points than games with one or zero points combined.

Goaltender Stuart Skinner has been solid for Edmonton, winning five of his last six starts. His 24th career playoff win places him third on the Oilers` all-time list for goalie victories in the postseason.

Jason Robertson scored a power-play goal for Dallas in their Game 4 loss. His seven power-play goals over the last four postseasons are the most for the Stars in that timeframe.

Dallas forward Mikko Rantanen finished Game 4 without a goal, extending his goalless streak to seven games, matching his longest drought in a single postseason.

Stars goalie Jake Oettinger is on the verge of moving up the list for playoff wins by American-born netminders. His current total of 32 is tied for fourth all-time.

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