Best NHL Bet Today (Back Stars in Game 1)

Top Shelf Picks: Best NHL Bet Today (Back Stars in Game 1)

Breaking down the best bet for Game 1 of the Western Conference Final in the NHL between the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers.

Apr 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars center Radek Faksa (12) keeps the puck away from Edmonton Oilers left wing Zach Hyman (18) and left wing Evander Kane (91) during the third period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Game 1 of the Western Conference Final is scheduled for Thursday night when the Edmonton Oilers hit the road to take on the Dallas Stars.

All signs point to this being a lengthy series but both teams will be hungry to take the 1-0 lead. Are the Stars the right side to back as home favorites? Let's dive into it.

The odds listed in this article are via DraftKings Sportsbook

Best NHL Bet Today

Stars -130 vs. Oilers

Oilers vs. Stars prediction

The Stars are too evenly matched with the Oilers for me to back Edmonton with Stuart Skinner in net. The Oilers have to play at such a high level to overcome the deficiencies in net and I don't know if they're up for that challenge on the road tonight.

Skinner has an .881 save percentage in the playoffs and has been abysmal in net since the start of their second round series against the Canucks. Meanwhile, Jake Oettinger of the Stars has been fantastic, sporting a save percentage of .918.

The Oilers offense may need to score five goals to overcome their goaltending woes, therefore I have no desire to bet on them to get the Game 1 victory. I'll take the home team with the better goalie and back the Stars to take the 1-0 series lead.

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

You can check out all of Iain's bets here!

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