The Dallas Stars are fighting to equalize the Western Conference Finals series at 2-2 as they face the Edmonton Oilers in Game 4 of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs on Tuesday. The Stars showcased their offensive prowess by scoring five goals in the third period of the series opener to overcome a two-goal deficit and secure a 6-3 win. However, their scoring has since dwindled, managing only one goal in each of the following two games, including a heavy 6-1 defeat in Game 3 at Rogers Place.
Zach Heyman has been instrumental for the Oilers, scoring twice and assisting another goal, while 2024 Conn Smythe Trophy winner Connor McDavid continues his stellar playoff performance with two goals in his consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances. Defender Evan Bouchard has contributed both goals and assists, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Evander Kane each recorded three assists, and goaltender Stuart Skinner maintained a strong showing with 33 saves.
Skinner, a 2023 Calder Trophy finalist, remains a key enigma in the playoffs, posting a 2.66 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage. Though he has conceded 20 goals in his four losses, he has allowed only one goal in each of his four victories and shares the playoff lead with three shutouts alongside Florida Panthers’ Sergei Bobrovsky.
Jason Robertson scored the solitary goal for the Stars in Game 3, marking their first back-to-back loss of the postseason. Mikko Rantanen, who leads the NHL with nine goals and 21 points, has seen his scoring slow with just two assists in his last five games and a recent six-game goal drought.
The Oilers will be without right winger Connor Brown, who suffered an undisclosed injury in Game 3, but will have defenseman Matthias Ekholm return to the lineup for the first time since April 11.
Here are some key player props to consider for Game 4:
– Leon Draisaitl Anytime Goal Scorer (+125, Bet365): Despite a recent scoring slump with just one goal in six home playoff games, Draisaitl still ranks fifth in playoff goals with six and is poised to break out.
– Connor McDavid 2+ Points (-111, FanDuel): McDavid is chasing his seventh multi-point playoff game, having scored two goals in Game 3 alone. He has been particularly effective against the Stars, tallying two or more points in six of nine career playoff games against them.
– Ryan Nugent-Hopkins 1+ Assist (+132, FanDuel): Nugent-Hopkins has been a consistent playmaker with 11 assists this postseason and has scored in seven of his last nine games, including strong production against the Stars.
– Thomas Harley 1+ Points (+112, FanDuel): Harley, second in defenseman scoring for the Oilers with 11 points, has yet to score in the series but is expected to contribute soon based on his power play involvement.
– Miro Heiskanen 1+ Points (+110, Bet365): Before the Stars’ offensive struggles, Heiskanen had been consistently on the scoresheet, contributing to six of his last 11 playoff games and likely to help the Stars find the back of the net again.
For more detailed game predictions, fans can check out the Sportsline Projection Model for all Stanley Cup Playoff games.
Fan Take: This intense Western Conference Finals matchup highlights the high stakes and star power that make hockey so thrilling for fans. With the series tied, the next game could be pivotal in shaping the momentum and ultimately deciding which team advances, showcasing the drama and skill at the heart of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
