Stars at Oilers Game 3 odds, expert picks: Western Conference final heads to Edmonton

The Western Conference final shifts from Dallas to Edmonton starting with Monday’s Game 3 at Rogers Place. The Stars evened the series with a 3-1 win on Saturday night to avoid being in a 2-0 hole headed to Canada. If you’re wondering how important Monday’s game is, teams that lead a conference final 2-1 have advanced to the Stanley Cup Final more than 76 percent of the time.

Losing Game 1 and winning Game 2 has been a familiar tale for the Stars organization and it wasn’t too much of a surprise to see them even the series at home. Mason Marchment scored the game-winner early in the third period.

The Oilers and specifically coach Kris Knoblauch are perplexed by the lack of penalty calls on the Stars in the first two games in Dallas. It’s pretty commonly known that NHL rules are called a bit differently for the playoffs, but players and coaches seem to be more frustrated by NHL officiating changing how the rules are enforced in the playoffs.

“The standard is the same for both teams. I’m not saying it’s unfair for us, but we would like the same standard,” Knoblauch said.

Odds are from BetMGM and update live. Buy tickets to see your favorite team on StubHub.

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Dallas Stars at Edmonton Oilers — Game 3

How to watch: 8:30 p.m. ET on TNT, SN

Series tied 1-1

Series odds: Stars -115, Oilers -105

• Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl had his 13-game point streak end in the 3-1 loss on Friday night. Connor McDavid was also held without a point for the first time in this year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs.

• The Oilers are 4-2 at home this postseason outscoring opponents 26-19.

• Stars goalie Jake Oettinger won his 22nd career playoff game and is now only behind Ed Belfour in Stars/North Stars history.

• Stars forward Wyatt Johnson had two assists in the Stars win. He is now second on the Stars this postseason with 13 points behind only defenseman Miro Heiskanen.

• The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus has an interesting story on how the Stars bought into a “little less for a lot more” motto that coach Pete DeBoer presented during a team bonding trip early in the season. It seems to be working so far for Dallas this season.

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(Photo of Connor McDavid and Wyatt Johnston: Matthew Stockman / Getty Images)