The Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers have developed a heated rivalry in recent postseasons. For two straight seasons, they’ve met in the Western Conference finals, with Edmonton emerging victorious both times. Now, as the 2025-26 regular season winds down, questions swirl about a potential third encounter at that stage.
Dallas hosts Edmonton on Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+/Hulu, a matchup that could foreshadow playoff drama. The Stars have dominated this season’s head-to-head battles, but both teams eye deep postseason runs. With fewer than 20 games left before the April 16 conclusion, every result matters.
Playoff paths for Dallas and Edmonton
Dallas sits second in the Central Division with 90 points and 32 regulation wins. They’re projected to face the Minnesota Wild in the first round. A win there would pit them against the winner of Colorado Avalanche versus the likely second wild card.
Edmonton holds second in the Pacific with 72 points and 24 regulation wins. They’re lined up against the Vegas Golden Knights initially. Advancing would mean a battle with the Anaheim Ducks or the other wild card victor.
If both navigate their brackets successfully, a Stars-Oilers Western Conference finals rematch awaits. Stathletes gives Colorado the edge at 43% to reach that round, followed by Edmonton at 37.6%, Minnesota at 31.3%, Vegas at 23%, Utah Mammoth at 22.9%, and Dallas at 15.9%.
This projection underscores the Central Division’s tightness. Dallas must maintain momentum against a surging Wild squad. Edmonton’s Pacific path looks navigable but demands consistency from their star-laden lineup.
Head-to-head dominance by the Stars this season
Dallas has owned the season series so far. They edged Edmonton 4-3 in a shootout on November 4 in Dallas, extending a seven-game point streak in the process—as detailed in our recap.
The rematch on November 25 in Edmonton turned into an 8-3 Stars rout. That demolition highlighted Dallas’s offensive firepower and defensive resolve. Our full preview and lineup analysis ahead of that game captured the anticipation.
These wins contrast sharply with playoff history. Edmonton has thrived in high-stakes moments against Dallas before. Regular-season form doesn’t always translate, but it boosts confidence.
Both teams have evolved since November. Injuries, trades, and hot streaks have reshaped rosters. Thursday’s clash offers a fresh gauge.
Key factors in a potential conference finals trilogy
Goaltending could decide another series. Dallas’s netminders have stonewalled Edmonton’s attack lately. Edmonton’s crease has shown vulnerability on the road.
Offensively, Edmonton’s stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl remain lethal. Dallas counters with balanced scoring from Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Wyatt Johnston. Special teams play looms large, given past playoff shootouts and power plays.
Defensive depth separates contenders. Dallas’s blue line, bolstered by extensions like Thomas Harley’s, provides stability. Edmonton’s forward depth has faced scrutiny amid injuries.
Travel and fatigue factor in late-season games. With playoffs nearing, coaches prioritize health over heroics. A win Thursday propels positioning.
Current western conference playoff matchups
- Central: Colorado Avalanche (C1) vs. Seattle Kraken (WC2)
- Central: Dallas Stars (C2) vs. Minnesota Wild (C3)
- Pacific: Anaheim Ducks (P1) vs. Utah Mammoth (WC1)
- Pacific: Edmonton Oilers (P2) vs. Vegas Golden Knights (P3)
These pairings reflect intense races. Utah clings to wild-card hopes with 73 points. Seattle fights for positioning at 67.
Colorado leads the West at 95 points, eyeing a President’s Trophy push. Minnesota’s 87 points secure third in Central. Vegas matches Edmonton’s 72 but trails in regulation wins.
Bubble teams like Nashville (66 points) lurk. Every shift impacts brackets.
Thursday’s marquee matchup details
Edmonton visits Dallas in one of 14 games. Catch it live via ESPN’s broadcast. Other highlights include Colorado at Seattle and Anaheim at Toronto.
Dallas seeks to extend home dominance. Edmonton aims to flip the script before playoffs. Expect physicality mirroring conference finals intensity.
Lineup tweaks abound. Check the NHL preview for Oilers at Stars for projected forwards and scratches.
Post-game, standings shift. Wednesday saw Montreal top Ottawa 3-2 and Philadelphia beat Washington 4-1.
Broader NHL playoff landscape
Eastern matchups feature Buffalo vs. Detroit and Tampa Bay vs. Montreal. Carolina faces Boston, Pittsburgh battles New York Islanders.
Standings leaders like Carolina (88 points) and Buffalo (86) lock in spots. Bubble fights rage in Atlantic with Ottawa at 73 points and 66% odds.
Draft lottery looms for tail-enders. Vancouver leads at 46 points, eyeing Gavin McKenna. Ties like St. Louis and Winnipeg at 60 complicate odds.
Playoff chances vary wildly. Columbus holds 78.3% despite no position yet. Florida clings to 1% at 67 points.
Looking toward the postseason stretch
A Stars-Oilers conference finals trilogy would captivate. Dallas craves redemption after two losses. Edmonton defends its throne.
Thursday’s result hints at trajectories. With games dwindling, momentum builds champions. Fans gear up for what promises intense drama ahead.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.