Oilers vs Stars NHL Playoff rematch offers big betting storylines ahead of Game 1

Stars and Oilers rematch stirs up revenge, risk and reward
Fans of the NHL Playoffs will remember the sting the Dallas Stars felt in 2024 after the Edmonton Oilers steamrolled through them in six games. For bettors and hockey watchers alike, this 2024 Western Conference finals rematch brings a different kind of intensity, one measured in goals, grit and game-by-game wagers.

The Edmonton Oilers, led by Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard, lit up the scoreboard last year with a combined 17 points across the series. But with Mikko Rantanen now skating for the Stars, Dallas believes it finally has the firepower to tilt the balance. Rantanen, who trails McDavid only slightly in postseason points per game (1.46 vs 1.55), could be the swing factor, especially with his generous +500 odds to lead the series in scoring.

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Bets to watch as Game 1 heats up in Dallas
Game 1 is where much of the NHL playoff betting focus sharpens. Dallas has been dominant on home ice this postseason, holding a 6-1 record in the American Airlines Center. That stat alone makes the Stars to win Game 1 and lose the series (+375) a value-laced wager for those backing an eventual Edmonton comeback.

The Oilers enter as slight favorites at -120, while the Stars are listed at even odds. For bettors confident in the Oilers’ series chances but eyeing a slow start, that Game 1 upset combo could spike returns.

Zach Hyman’s series goal line also presents strong value. With an over 1.5 line priced at -150, the winger’s scoring history against Dallas backs it up. Hyman netted three regular season goals against the Stars in March and found the net three times in last year’s series, all reasons to consider the over.

Also read: Panthers vs Hurricanes: How and where to watch Game 2, key players to look out for

Top-line dominance and parlay potential
Another betting angle lies with Dallas’ top trio of Rantanen, Roope Hintz and Mikael Granlund, who have been quietly lethal at five-on-five this postseason. Their chemistry has delivered seven goals for and only two against in all situations, including four goals and just one conceded on home ice.

A Game 1 parlay combining Rantanen over 0.5 total goals, Granlund over 0.5 points and Hintz over 0.5 assists pays out at +565. With Dallas’ top line clicking and playing at home, the odds are tempting.

Although the Game 1 over/under is set at 6.5, the over at +110 deserves attention. These teams exploded for seven and nine total goals in two regular season meetings this year.