Edmonton Oilers vs Dallas Stars: McDavid and Robertson Face Off in Game of the Day

• The Edmonton Oilers have lost four of their last five games.
• The Dallas Stars have won three of their last four games.
• The Stars Beat the Oilers 6-2 when they first faced each other.

Edmonton Oilers vs Dallas Stars Odds

Odds Taken from FanDuel Sportsbook

Edmonton Oilers vs Dallas Stars Picks

• Dallas Stars beat Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3
• Dallas Stars cover
• Over 6.5 goals

Head-to-Head: Edmonton Oilers vs Dallas Stars

Edmonton Oilers vs Dallas Stars Predictions

The Edmonton Oilers will travel south to face the Dallas Stars. Two of the league's top players (Connor McDavid and Jason Robertson) will go head-to-head in this exciting matchup. In addition, both of these teams are in playoff spots. The Oilers are in the second Wild Card spot with 36 points. However, they could move up to one or two spots with a victory. On the other side, the Stars are in the top spot in the Central Division. They would maintain their spot with a victory.

The Oilers have a top-five offense but one of the NHL’s worst defenses. In addition, Edmonton has a subpar goaltending duo in Stuart Skinner and Jack Campbell. The Oilers do not need to do much to improve their offense, but they may need to trade for better defensemen.

The Oilers have the top center trio in the NHL in Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Connor McDavid is having another outstanding season and is a Hart Memorial Trophy candidate. McDavid leads the NHL in points (64), goals (28), and assists (36). He is the most dangerous offensive player in the league. Leon Draisaitl is not entirely on the level of McDavid but is easily a top-ten player. His 54 points are the second-most in the league. Last but not least, we have Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Nugent-Hopkins is not in the top-ten but is a solid player with 38 points. 

As I mentioned above, Stuart Skinner and Jack Campbell are the Oilers’ goaltending duo. Skinner is the #1 netminder but not performing particularly well. Skinner allows 2.83 goals per game. The 24-year-old needs to step up if he wants his team to make a deep run.

The Stars have a better overall squad than the Oilers. Their offense is almost at the level of Edmonton’s, but their defense and goaltending is significantly better. 

Everyone knows the Stars’ premiere player is winger Jason Robertson. Robertson is only 23 but has 47 points. Robertson is a top-five player and, like Connor McDavid, a Hart Memorial Trophy candidate. In addition to Robertson, Roope Hintz, Joe Pavelski, and Jamie Benn are still playing at high levels. Roope Hintz is a solid center and had 13 goals and 22 assists. Joe Pavelski is also a center and performing very well at the old age of 38. Pavelski has 11 goals and 20 assists. Jamie Benn plays the least of this group but still has 13 goals and 17 assists.

Jake Oettinger has been the primary goaltender in Dallas this year. Oettinger is a top-ten netminder and is tied for the 6th-most wins (13) this season. The American goalie also only allows 2.35 goals per game, the sixth-fewest in the league. Oettinger will continue to be a huge part of Dallas’ success this season.

The Stars are playing stronger hockey and have better defensemen, so they will win this exciting game.

Why Might the Edmonton Oilers Win?

The Oilers will have a tough matchup but can win if they play tough defense and draw penalties.

The Oilers are not known for their defensive prowess but must flip the script today. Edmonton has to come out aggressively and limit the Stars’ shots through tough defense. This will limit the Stars’ scoring chances.

The Oilers have the #1 power play unit in the league and convert almost ⅓ of their opportunities. It should come as no surprise when I tell you that the Oilers need to get that power play unit on the ice as much as possible.

Why Might the Dallas Stars Win?

The Stars are the favorites and will win if they slow down Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl and shoot 35+ times.

The Oilers’ are primarily drawn around Connor McDavid and secondarily drawn around Leon Draisaitl. These two are responsible for the majority of the Oilers’ offense, which is why the Stars must focus on slowing them down.

The Stars have no problem scoring, but the Oilers can also score at will. There is a chance they trade goals but the stars can end up on top if they outshoot the Oilers. If Dallas shoots 35+ times, they will likely outshoot Edmonton.

Oilers Key Players: (D) Cody Ceci

Cody Ceci brings very little to the table offensively. The defenseman plays over 21 minutes a game and only has one goal and five assists. However, he is one of the best defensemen Edmonton has to offer. That is not saying much since Edmonton plays poor defense, but it is worth noting.

Ceci must shut down Jason Robertson when they are on the ice together. It is a difficult task, but one that must be done.

Stars Key Player: (D) Miro Heiskanen

Miro Heiskanen leads the Stars in TOI (25:22) and is arguably their top defenseman. He will likely be tasked with slowing down Connor McDavid and/or Leon Draisaitl. He must figure out a way to make life difficult for them, or he will be in for a long night.

How to Watch Edmonton Oilers vs Dallas Stars

• What - Edmonton Oilers vs Dallas Stars
• Where - American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
• When - Wednesday, December 21, 7:00 PM EST
• How to Watch - TNT