The Dallas Stars are set to host the Edmonton Oilers for Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs Western Conference Final this Wednesday. The visiting Oilers, led by Connor McDavid, advanced by securing a 1-0 overtime victory against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5 of their second-round series last Wednesday. The Stars, featuring players like Mikko Rantanen, earned their spot by winning a six-game series against the Winnipeg Jets, clinched with a 2-1 overtime win last Saturday. The puck drop for Game 1 is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
In the latest odds for the matchup, Dallas is favored on the money line at -125 (meaning a $125 bet wins $100), while Edmonton is the underdog at +105 (a $100 bet wins $105). The over/under for total goals scored is set at 6.5. The Stars are also favored on the puck line at -1.5 with odds of +190. For insights before placing bets on the Oilers vs. Stars game, many bettors consult NHL predictions from proven models.
A notable projection model simulates every NHL game 10,000 times. This model has performed well entering the conference finals of the 2025 NHL playoffs, with a combined record of 80-56 on top-rated puck-line and over/under betting picks, translating to over $1,600 in profit for those betting $100. Followers of this model have seen strong returns on their wagers.
Based on its simulations, the model recommends the following wagers for Stars vs. Oilers on Wednesday:
- Stars -1.5 on the puck line (+190)
- Under 6.5 goals (-105)
The model favors the Stars covering the puck line. Dallas has been dominant on home ice, winning their last six consecutive games there and covering the puck line in each of their last three contests at American Airlines Center, with two of those victories by two goals or more. The model projects Dallas will cover the -1.5 puck line in over 50% of its Game 1 simulations.
Another top pick from the model is the Under 6.5 goals. Recent games for both teams support this trend, with the Under hitting in the last two Oilers games and the last three Stars games. Goaltending has been strong for both sides; Dallas netminder Jake Oettinger contributed to the Under in five of his six starts against Winnipeg, while Edmonton`s Stuart Skinner posted shutouts in his most recent appearances against Vegas.
The Under 6.5 goals wager is listed with -105 odds. For those seeking more NHL predictions, an expert like Matt Severance boasts a strong record on NHL sides picks, with a 145-69-8 run that has returned over $4,000 for $100 players.
Elton Marrow