The Western Conference Final features a rematch, the first since 2014.
Echoing the 2014 series between the Blackhawks and Kings, the Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars face off for the second consecutive year in the 2025 Western Conference Final. This marks Dallas` third straight appearance in the conference final and fourth in the last six years, including the 2020 “bubble playoffs”.
Edmonton, making their third trip to the West Final in four years, defeated Dallas in six games last season to reach the Stanley Cup Final. Key moments included Connor McDavid`s Game 1 double-overtime winner and his spectacular power-play goal in the series-ending 2-1 victory in Game 6.
What makes this rematch stand out is the immense motivation for both teams. Unlike the 2014 Blackhawks-Kings series, which featured recent champions, neither the Oilers nor the Stars have reached the ultimate goal recently, despite regularly going deep in the playoffs. Edmonton lost in the Final last June, while Dallas is surely eager to get revenge for last year`s defeat by the Oilers and advance to the Final for the first time under coach Pete DeBoer.
Season Series
Edmonton: 1 win, 2 losses
Dallas: 2 wins, 1 loss
PLAYOFF TEAM STATS
ADVANCED STATS
Unsung Oilers Contributors
With key defenseman Mattias Ekholm sidelined (expected to miss at least the first two games), other Oilers blueliners have taken on increased roles. Brett Kulak`s ice time has jumped significantly from last year`s Cup run (from 16:30 to 24:15), often starting shifts in the defensive zone (15.3% D-zone starts, highest among Oilers defensemen).
Additionally, trade deadline acquisition Jake Walman, who had minimal playoff experience before this spring (only one game), is playing over 20 minutes per game and leads the team with a plus-13 rating in the playoffs.
This represents impressive contributions from defensemen who are either new to deep playoff runs or previously had less prominent roles.
Video Insights Summary
Elliotte Friedman discusses the Oilers-Stars Western Conference Final, highlighting Edmonton`s strong depth scoring and Dallas`s roster changes, including the addition of Mikko Rantanen.
Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch provides an update on Mattias Ekholm, stating he likely won`t play in the first two games but is expected to return later in the series, emphasizing the team won`t rush his recovery.
Tristan Blackwood