Oilers vs Stars: Game 1 Analysis, Lineups, and Playoff Stats
The Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars are set to face off in the 2025 Western Conference Finals, a rematch of last year's thrilling series. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of Game 1, including team lineups, key stats, and expert analysis.
The series kicks off on May 21, 2025, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. Here's what you need to know:
Oilers vs. Stars: Game 1 Summarized
One Reddit user on r/hockeymemes humorously summarized the Oilers vs. Stars Game 1 with an image, capturing the essence of the high-stakes matchup. Here’s the image:
The image reflects the intense moments and key plays that defined the game, resonating with fans who closely followed the action.
Oilers Lineups 2024 vs 2025
A detailed comparison of the Oilers' lineups from 2024 to 2025, highlighting key changes and improvements. According to Reddit user PitterPatter74, the Oilers forward group is deeper this year.
Here's a table comparing the lineups:
| 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|
| RNH - McDavid - Hyman | RNH - McDavid - Hyman |
| Kane - Draisaitl - Holloway | Podkolzin - Draisaitl - Kapanen |
| Foegele - McLeod - Ryan | Kane - Henrique - Brown |
| Janmark - S. Carrick - Brown | Frederic - Janmark - Perry |
| Ekholm - Bouchard | Kulak - Bouchard |
| Nurse - Ceci | Nurse - Stecher |
| Kulak - Desharnais | Walman - Klingberg |
| Skinner | Skinner |
| Scratches: Henrique (inj), Perry, Gagner, Stecher | Scratchers: Arvidsson, Emberson, Ryan, J. Skinner |
The analysis suggests that the depth scoring from players like Frederic, Perry, and Podkolzin has exceeded the trio from last playoffs.
Statistical Breakdown for Game 1
A comprehensive statistical breakdown for Game 1, including regular season and playoff stats, head-to-head results, and injury reports. The data provides insights into team performance and key player matchups.
Key details include:
- Date: May 21, 2025
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- Location: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
- Series: Western Conference Finals, Game 1 (Best-of-7)
- Broadcast: ESPN, ESPN+, SN, CBC, TVAS
Regular Season Team Statistics (2024-25):
| Category | Edmonton Oilers | Dallas Stars |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 48-29-5 (101 pts) | 50-26-6 (106 pts) |
| Goals For | 259 (3.16 GPG) | 275 (3.35 GPG) |
| Goals Against | 235 (2.87 GPG) | 222 (2.71 GPG) |
| Power Play % | 23.7% (14th) | 22.0% (18th) |
| Penalty Kill % | 78.2% (21st) | 82.0% (10th) |
| Home Record | 25-13-3 | 28-10-3 |
| Away Record | 23-16-2 | 22-16-3 |
Playoff Team Statistics (2025):
| Category | Edmonton Oilers | Dallas Stars |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 8-3 (11 games) | 8-5 (13 games) |
| Goals For | 43 (3.91 GPG) | 34 (2.62 GPG) |
| Goals Against | 34 (3.09 GPG) | 38 (2.92 GPG) |
| Goal Differential | +9 | -4 |
| Power Play % | 25.0% (5/20) | 30.8% (8/26) |
| Penalty Kill % | 66.7% (12/18) | 86.0% (31/36) |
| High-Danger Shots Faced/Game | 6.18 (1st) | 7.54 (est.) |
| Midrange Goals | 12 (2nd) | 14 (1st) |
Head-to-Head Regular Season Results (2024-25):
| Date | Result | Location | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 19, 2024 | Stars 4, Oilers 1 | Dallas | Stars: Roope Hintz (2G), Wyatt Johnston (1G, 1A), Jamie Benn (1G) Oilers: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (1G) |
| Mar 8, 2025 | Oilers 5, Stars 4 | Edmonton | Oilers: Zach Hyman (2G, 1A), Connor McDavid (1G, 1A) Stars: Jason Robertson (2G) |
| Mar 26, 2025 | Stars 4, Oilers 3 | Edmonton | Stars: Jason Robertson (3G) Oilers: Zach Hyman (1G, 1A), Leon Draisaitl (1G) |
| Category | Edmonton Oilers | Dallas Stars |
|---|---|---|
| Season Series Record | 1-2-0 | 2-1-0 |
| Total Goals | 9 | 12 |
| Leading Scorers | Zach Hyman (3G, 1A, 4 pts) | Jason Robertson (4G, 2A, 6 pts) |
| Secondary Scorers | Connor McDavid (1G, 2A, 3 pts) | Roope Hintz (1G, 5A, 6 pts) |
Playoff Top Performers:
| Player (Team) | GP | G | A | PTS | PP PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connor McDavid (EDM) | 11 | 3 | 14 | 17 | 1 |
| Leon Draisaitl (EDM) | 11 | 5 | 11 | 16 | 4 |
| Evan Bouchard (EDM) | 11 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 3 |
| Corey Perry (EDM) | 11 | 5 | 2 | 7 | 2 |
| Mikko Rantanen (DAL) | 13 | 9 | 10 | 19 | 6 |
| Thomas Harley (DAL) | 13 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 6 |
| Roope Hintz (DAL) | 13 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 4 |
Goaltending Statistics (Playoffs):
| Goaltender (Team) | GP | Record | GAA | SV% | High-Danger Saves | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stuart Skinner (EDM) | 5 | 2-3 | 3.05 | .884 | 15/24 (.625 vs. LAK) | 2 shutouts, 127:15 scoreless vs. VGK |
| Calvin Pickard (EDM) | 7 | 6-0 | 2.84 | .888 | Not available | Lower-body injury, may return |
| Jake Oettinger (DAL) | 13 | 8-5 | 2.47 | .919 | 82/98 (.837) | Most high-danger shots faced (98) |
Advanced Metrics (Playoffs):
| Metric | Edmonton Oilers | Dallas Stars |
|---|---|---|
| Speed Bursts (20+ mph) | 350 (1st) | 297 (2nd) |
| Speed Bursts (22+ mph) | 43 (1st) | 17 (2nd) |
Injury Report:
| Player (Team) | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Mattias Ekholm (EDM) | Out for Game 1 & 2 | Undisclosed |
| Calvin Pickard (EDM) | Possible return | Lower-body, injured in 2nd round |
| Connor Brown (EDM) | Game-time decision | Forward, status uncertain |
| Nils Lundkvist (DAL) | Out (LTIR) | Upper-body, on LTIR since Feb 2025 |
Who's your pick for Game 1? Oilers or Stars?
Oilers vs Stars: Some Interesting Analytics
Detailed analytics comparing the Oilers and Stars, focusing on depth, defense, and goaltending. This analysis suggests the Oilers have better depth and defense, but goaltending remains a key question mark.
According to Reddit user Eret_007, the Oilers show better defensive and offensive stats.
- The Two-Man Team
When neither Rantanen nor Hintz are on the ice, the Dallas Stars are 10-18. When neither Draisaitl nor McDavid is on the ice, the Oilers are 16-9.
- We Have Better Defencemen
Jake Walman is the highest-ranked player in the NHL playoffs by goal differential (+13). Dallas's best D-man has a +/- of +1, and their worst, Lyubushkin, has a -7.
This analysis also points out that the Oilers are a better team defensively and offensively this year. However, the performance of goaltender Stu Skinner will be a deciding factor in the series.
Western Conference Finals 2025: Edmonton Oilers vs. Dallas Stars - Deep Dive Analysis
A comprehensive analysis of the 2025 Western Conference Finals, including series overview, team records, head-to-head results, key player stats, goaltending analysis, and special teams performance.
According to Reddit user FalloutCX404, this series is a clash of offensive firepower versus defensive depth.
Series Schedule:
| Game | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| G1 | May 21, 2025 | Dallas |
| G2 | May 23, 2025 | Dallas |
| G3 | May 25, 2025 | Edmonton |
| G4 | May 27, 2025 | Edmonton |
| G5* | May 29, 2025 | Dallas |
| G6* | May 31, 2025 | Edmonton |
| G7* | Jun 2, 2025 | Dallas |
*If necessary
Team Records:
| Team | Pts | W | L | OTL | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas | 106 | 50 | 26 | 6 | 50-26-6 |
| Edmonton | 101 | 48 | 29 | 5 | 48-29-5 |
Key Player Statistics:
| Player (Team) | G | A | P | GP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas | ||||
| Robertson | 35 | 45 | 80 | 82 |
| Duchene | 30 | 52 | 82 | 82 |
| Johnston | 33 | 38 | 71 | 82 |
| Edmonton | ||||
| Draisaitl | 52 | 54 | 106 | 71 |
| McDavid | 26 | 74 | 100 | 67 |
| Hyman | 27 | 17 | 44 | 73 |
The analysis concludes that this series will be a close contest, with goaltending being a crucial factor. The prediction is Dallas in 7 games.
Post Game Thread | Oilers v. Stars | 21 May 2025
A summary of the post-game thread from r/EdmontonOilers following the game on May 21, 2025.
Key stats from the game:
- Oilers 3, Stars 6
- Goals: Draisaitl, Nugent-Hopkins, Bouchard
- Shots: Oilers 28, Stars 28
- Saves: Skinner 22/27
The next game is scheduled for Friday, May 23, against the Stars in Dallas at 6:00pm MT.
Three Dallas Stars Difference-Makers to Watch Out For
An analysis from Oilersnation.com highlighting three key players from the Dallas Stars that the Oilers need to be wary of in the upcoming series.
The analysis likely includes key players like Jake Oettinger, Miro Heiskanen, and Jason Robertson, emphasizing their importance to the Stars' success.
John Klingberg’s Comeback Tale with the Oilers
According to oilersnation.com, John Klingberg's comeback tale with the Oilers could turn into a redemption story in series vs. the Stars.
One Reddit user commented, "Klingberg's stepped up quite a bit in the playoffs.. he's prob pumped to take out his former team with his new hips and all."
Gretzky Visited Stars' Locker Room
According to