The Western and Eastern Conference Finals have become a true feast for hockey enthusiasts. After the Florida Panthers tied their series with the New York Rangers, the Dallas Stars did the same against the Edmonton Oilers, marking the first time in two decades that both conference finals are guaranteed at least six games. The Western series has been defined by momentum swings, with each team seizing control at different points. In Game 4, the Oilers managed to rally from a two-goal deficit for the third time in the series. Edmonton players later admitted they came out “sleepy” for their second home game, while the Texans were sharper, more aggressive, and generated more offense, resulting in two early goals.
Just seconds after the opening faceoff, Wyatt Johnston scored his ninth goal of the playoffs off a pass from Jamie Benn. Roope Hintz then had a golden opportunity to extend the lead but failed to beat Stuart Skinner on a breakaway. Esa Lindell capitalized instead, sending the puck toward the net, where it deflected off Darnell Nurse and into the net. Tyler Seguin also tested the goalie, but Skinner held firm. The Oilers looked completely lost until Corey Perry’s shot at the 14-minute mark was saved by Jake Oettinger, only for Ryan McLeod to bury the rebound. That goal shifted momentum. Two and a half minutes later, Oettinger stopped Connor McDavid’s shot but the rebound landed right on Evan Bouchard’s stick, tying the game.
McDavid nearly put Edmonton ahead during a power play, but his shot hit Oettinger’s lost stick lying on the goal line. After the first period, shots were 12-6 in favor of the Oilers. In the second period, the hosts struck on a shorthanded rush, with Mattias Janmark-Nylen scoring off a pass from Connor Brown. Moments later, Leon Draisaitl ended his brief scoring drought in the series. In the third period, Edmonton managed the lead and added an empty-netter to seal the 5-2 win. Now the series shifts back to Dallas for Game 5. Bookmakers have set the following odds for the upcoming matchup:
– Dallas Stars win: from 2.27 (Olimpbet) to 2.30 (Betcity, Pari)
– Edmonton Oilers win: from 2.69 (BetBoom) to 2.84 (Olimpbet)