Up north we go for Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals with things all tied up at one game a piece. After the Dallas Stars took down the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 in a high scoring contest, the Oilers battled back in Game 2 and shutout their hosts, securing a win to even up the series.
The Stars had won seven straight at home in the postseason before losing two nights ago, bringing their playoff home record to 7-2 overall. Dallas was actually behind the Oilers, 3-1, going into the final period of Game 1. However, the Stars netted three straight power play goals to take the lead, and then found two more later to seal a 6-3 win. The Stars contained Edmonton to just 27 SOGs, and killed 2/3 penalties while taking advantage of 3/4 of their PP opportunities.
However, the Oilers came prepared in Game 2. It was much lower scoring as the hosts couldn't find the back of the net once on 25 total attempts. Dallas did another great job of slowing down the Edmonton offense, only giving them 25 SOGs as well, but they snuck three by Jake Oettinger which was enough to get the shutout victory.
Can they rally at home tonight and bring the momentum to Alberta? Or will the Stars shine brighter in Canada and upset Edmonton on the road?
Ultimately, the Dallas Stars' defense has been as good as anybody this postseason. They've held the Oilers to just 26 SOGs per game in this series and have outshot them in both contests. However, they gave the Oilers' five power play opportunities in Game 2. I'd have to imagine that things are called even tighter for the Oilers up in Canada, meaning the Stars will need to be extra cautious to not give out multiple man advantage opportunities for their hosts.
The Stars are 2-4 overall on the road in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, while the Oilers are 4-1 at home, losing only to Vegas on the final shot of the game. After winning in Game 2, I see the Oilers using that momentum to propel them into a hot start at home, and so I'll be betting on them to get the job done. Although Dallas limited the Oilers' offense in Texas, I see them struggling to do the same thing in Canada.
Give me the Oilers, and give them to me in 60 minutes. I am backing the Oilers to ride this momentum built in Game 2 into this next matchup, and possibly turn it into two wins at home. Line shop as always, because even money is still out there.
Look, we had the Stars in Game 1. Cash. We bet the under in Game 2. Cash again. Now in Game 3 we are backing the home team to get the job done in regulation. Even though we had Dallas taking the first game of this series, I always leaned with the Oilers to come out on top over the course of the series. If they get a big win tonight, I could see this being over in five or six.
Edmonton lost the first two to Los Angeles in round one, then proceeded to win four straight to advance. After that, they won four of five against the Golden Knights, and were essentially half a second away from a legitimate sweep. I think Stuart Skinner has figured out whatever was messing with him early in the postseason, and I have no problem backing the Oilers' attack at home with momentum on their side.
Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.
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