The 2024 Western Conference Final in the NHL sees a repeat of the previous season’s matchup between the Edmonton Oilers and the Dallas Stars. For the second consecutive year, these two teams will clash in a high-stakes battle for supremacy in the Western Conference, with both squads showcasing their unique strengths and aspirations for a shot at the Stanley Cup. The repeat of this playoff encounter highlights not just the competitive nature of the NHL but also the growing narrative between two teams that have very different yet complementary styles of play. As these teams prepare for another grueling series, the excitement and anticipation around the matchup are palpable. Both teams have gone through their fair share of challenges and triumphs to make it this far, and now it comes down to the final test of whether they can continue to outplay their competition and make a push for ultimate glory.
The Edmonton Oilers come into the series with high expectations, given their offensive firepower. Over the past few seasons, the team has been heavily reliant on the incredible skill of their two superstars: Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. McDavid, often hailed as the best player in the world, is capable of putting up points at an unprecedented rate. His ability to accelerate, control the puck, and weave through defenders is unmatched, and he remains a constant threat to score. Draisaitl, the team’s second star, is equally dangerous, known for his precision in both scoring and playmaking. Together, these two players form one of the most potent duos in hockey. But the Oilers’ success is not just about McDavid and Draisaitl; they have a talented supporting cast that contributes across all areas of the ice.
The Edmonton power play, led by these two forwards, is one of the most feared units in the NHL. Their ability to capitalize on man advantages has been a defining factor for the team, making it difficult for opponents to stay disciplined when facing off against them. In addition to their top offensive players, the Oilers also have a solid group of defensemen and goaltenders who contribute to their playoff push. However, their Achilles’ heel in previous seasons has often been their defensive game. While they have the offensive firepower to outscore opponents, they have sometimes struggled in their own end, with inconsistent goaltending and defensive lapses leading to goals against. To reach the Stanley Cup Finals, the Oilers must ensure that they can tighten up defensively while still maintaining their potent attack.
The Dallas Stars, on the other hand, present a different style of play. They are a more well-rounded team with a balanced approach to the game. Their offense is centered around key players such as Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz, who have emerged as significant contributors in recent years. Robertson, known for his lethal shot and ability to find open space, has been a driving force for Dallas, while Hintz’s playmaking and speed make him a constant threat in transition. The Stars also have veterans such as Joe Pavelski, who has shown time and time again that he can be counted on in clutch moments. Their offensive depth makes them a tough team to shut down, as they can score in a variety of ways and from different lines.
However, what truly sets the Stars apart is their defensive structure. They are built from the back end out, with a strong defensive corps led by Miro Heiskanen. Heiskanen is one of the best defensemen in the league, with a combination of skating, vision, and defensive awareness that allows him to impact the game on both sides of the puck. The Stars’ defensive system is well-organized and disciplined, which makes it difficult for teams to break through and create high-quality scoring chances. Their goaltender, Jake Oettinger, has emerged as one of the top netminders in the NHL. Oettinger’s ability to make critical saves in high-pressure moments has been a defining characteristic of his play, and his performance in the playoffs has been exceptional. His poise under pressure gives the Stars a great advantage, as they know they have a reliable last line of defense when the game is on the line.
Dallas’s style of play is often described as a more conservative, defensive-first approach. They rely on a solid team defense, excellent goaltending, and opportunistic scoring to win games. This contrast in styles between the Oilers and the Stars sets up an intriguing dynamic for the Western Conference Final. The Oilers thrive on speed, creativity, and high-powered offense, while the Stars excel at tight-checking, disciplined play, and taking advantage of mistakes. The question will be whether Edmonton can break through Dallas’s defensive wall and outscore them, or if the Stars’ methodical approach will prove too much for the Oilers’ high-flying attack.
Both teams have experienced their fair share of challenges on their path to this point in the playoffs. For the Oilers, the road has been one of navigating through a high-pressure environment where every game feels like a test of their ability to perform under intense scrutiny. Despite their incredible individual talent, there has always been a question about whether they can truly come together as a cohesive unit. There have been questions about the Oilers’ depth, their ability to defend, and whether their goaltending could hold up under the pressure of a deep playoff run. Throughout the postseason, they have been tested in various ways, but their superstars have consistently stepped up, bailing out the team when necessary. As they prepare for the Stars, the Oilers will need to make sure their supporting cast is just as ready for the challenge. McDavid and Draisaitl cannot carry the load alone against a well-rounded team like Dallas.
For the Stars, the journey has been one of proving that their balanced approach and defensive stability can withstand the offensive juggernauts of the West. They’ve had to face some of the most potent attacking teams in the league and have emerged victorious by sticking to their system and never deviating from their identity. The Stars’ defensive structure, combined with the elite goaltending of Oettinger, has given them the confidence that they can win games even if they don’t outscore their opponents. Their ability to limit scoring chances and capitalize on mistakes will be critical against a team like the Oilers, who can score in bunches. The Stars know that if they can keep the game tight and avoid getting into a run-and-gun shootout with Edmonton, they will be in a strong position to advance.
As the series kicks off, the focus will undoubtedly be on the matchup between the two star players—McDavid and Draisaitl for the Oilers, and Robertson and Hintz for the Stars. These players are capable of taking over games and making the difference in critical moments. However, the series will also be determined by how well each team plays as a unit. The Oilers’ top-heavy lineup will be tested against the Stars’ balanced depth, and how well Edmonton can get secondary contributions from players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Evander Kane, and Zach Hyman will play a significant role. For Dallas, it will be about maintaining their defensive discipline and continuing to rely on the leadership of veterans like Pavelski, while also getting key performances from younger players like Heiskanen.
The goaltending matchup will also be crucial. Oettinger’s ability to handle the pressure of playing against an offensive powerhouse like the Oilers will be under scrutiny. He will need to be at his best, making key saves and ensuring that Dallas doesn’t fall victim to the high-flying offense of McDavid and Draisaitl. On the other side, the Oilers’ goaltending has been a question mark throughout the season. They will need either Stuart Skinner or Jack Campbell to step up in a big way, as the Oilers’ defense can sometimes leave their netminders exposed. Against a team like the Stars, who are opportunistic and capable of making the most out of any mistake, Edmonton’s goaltending will be under pressure to deliver consistent performances.
The 2024 Western Conference Final will undoubtedly be a series to remember. The narrative of these two teams—a high-octane offensive squad against a methodical, defensively sound team—creates a compelling storyline that will captivate hockey fans everywhere. The clash between the Oilers and the Stars represents two distinct philosophies on how to build a winning team. Edmonton will look to overwhelm Dallas with speed, skill, and offensive creativity, while the Stars will aim to suffocate Edmonton’s attack with tight defensive play and opportunistic scoring. The series promises to be filled with drama, intense moments, and thrilling action, and whichever team emerges victorious will have earned their spot in the Stanley Cup Final. For both teams, this is the opportunity of a lifetime, and they will leave everything on the ice as they battle for a chance to play for the ultimate prize in hockey.
