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The Evolution Of 2 Hockey Giants Vying For Same Prize: Stars Vs Oilers, Take 2
Photo credit: NHL
In the past 5 seasons, the Dallas Stars have lost 2 conference finals and a Stanley Cup final; Edmonton lost in the finals last year, and is back in the Western Conference finals this year.
Each of these teams knows how to win. Both are built for the playoffs, though they are built slightly different.
"We're in the conference finals, so everybody is going to be a good team," Connor McDavid was quoted saying in the Edmonton Journal. "But they have scoring all over - eight 20-goal scorers. That is plenty of fire power.
Yet, the Dallas Stars are known more for their defensive strengths than their offensive. They sport a 2.62 goals for average in this playoffs, with a goals against average of 2.92.
The Edmonton Oilers, on the other hand, possess the playoff's best goals for average at 3.91, while their goals against average is 3.09, worst among any club still in the playoffs.
So what will tilt the odds in either club's favor? The Dallas Stars acquired Mika Rantanen at this year's trade-line, and is arguably the favourate so far to win the Conn Smythe trophy for best playoff performer, with 9g, 10a and 19 points.
McDavid is right there with him, with 3g and 14a, for a total of 17 points.
The difference may very well come down to goaltending. Edmonton's Stuart Skinner sports a save percentage of .884, and a 3.05 goals against average.
Dallas' Jake Ottinger enjoys a .919 save percentage and a 2.47 goals against average. Defensively, the nod goes to Dallas, while Edmonton is the stronger side on offense.
May the best team win.
| POLL | ||
MAI 19 | 47 ANSWERS The Evolution Of 2 Hockey Giants Vying For Same Prize: Stars Vs Oilers, Take 2 Who do you believe will advance to the finals? | ||
| Dallas Stars | 28 | 59.6 % |
| Edmonton Oilers | 19 | 40.4 % |
| List of polls | ||