NHL Best Bets Today: Expert NHL Picks for 05/21/2025

The Stars enter this Western Conference Finals opener with home-ice advantage, where Jake Oettinger has consistently posted better numbers throughout the playoffs.

Dallas brings the more complete team to this matchup, with the ability to roll four effective lines and a defensive corps that brings versatility to counter Edmonton's attack.

The Stars' defense has been particularly stingy, allowing just 38 goals across 13 playoff games, which should help contain Edmonton's high-powered offense led by their superstar forwards.

Both expert sources favor Dallas on home ice, with one noting that Edmonton's blue line could get exposed early in the series.

With Dallas coming in as the more rested team and having a goaltending edge with Oettinger over Skinner, they're well-positioned to take Game 1 and set the tone for the series.

Both teams enter this series playing lockdown defense, with the Oilers coming off back-to-back shutouts and the Stars allowing just nine goals in their last four games.

The goaltending battle features Jake Oettinger, who's been rock solid for Dallas, against Stuart Skinner who may have found his groove for Edmonton after some early playoff struggles.

Dallas has allowed only 38 goals in 13 playoff games (2.92 per game), while Edmonton's defense has tightened up considerably in the last round.

The opening game of a conference finals series typically features more conservative play as teams feel each other out, especially with two defensive-minded coaches making adjustments.

Both defensive units are creating turnovers effectively and limiting quality shots, suggesting this matchup could trend under the total despite the offensive firepower present on both sides.

Dallas brings a more balanced attack to this series opener, with scoring threats throughout their lineup that could overwhelm Edmonton's defensive depth.

The Stars' home advantage has been significant in these playoffs, giving them an edge that could translate to a multi-goal victory if they can get an early lead.

Edmonton is coming off a grueling series while Dallas had extra time to prepare, potentially giving the Stars a freshness advantage that could show up late in the game.

If Dallas can neutralize Edmonton's top scorers and get production from their bottom six as suggested in the expert analysis, they have a clear path to covering the puck line.

Jake Oettinger's superior goaltending compared to Stuart Skinner provides the foundation for a potential Stars statement win in Game 1.