What has happened to the Dallas offense? What has happen to Mikko Rantanen? The Stars looked like they might be headed to the Stanley Cup finals after their 6-3 win in Game One, but only two goals have ensued. Even-strength goals have been rare in this series for Dallas, which got three rapid-fire power-play strikes in Game One and another in Game Four. But that's been about it vs. Stuart Skinner. As for Rantanen, who looked on course for the Conn Smythe earlier in the playoffs, he hasn't scored now in seven straight games. With Jake Oettinger, Dallas can recover, and there has been an under bent to results both ways since later in their respective second round matchups. Play Oilers-Stars Under.

The 4-1 scoreline in Game 4 was deceiving, padded by a pair of empty-net Oilers goals in the last three minutes. Dallas was in position to level the series with only Oilers' goalkeeper Stuart Skinner keeping them at bay. Edmonton will now be proceeding without one of its key cogs, Zach Hyman, and while there are others, Hyman will be hard to replace. The Stars, apt to score goals in bunches earlier in the playoffs, need to rediscover that form while GK Jake Oettinger keeps the door shut. Refer to Game 5 of the Dallas-Colorado series when the Stars, on the ropes, jumped out quickly for their best game of the playoffs to date. Repeat tonight? Play Stars on the Puck Line.

The Dallas Stars are returning home to save their season. They have played exceptionally well at the American Airlines Center this year. Zach Hyman is OUT for Edmonton. He has recorded five goals and 11 points in 15 playoff games, including two goals and an assist in Game 3 against the Stars. Hyman was also on track to break the NHL record for most hits in a single postseason. While I initially picked Edmonton to win the series, this is a strong opportunity to support the home team.

I thought we had a good look in Game 4 with Mikko Rantanen over 2.5 SOG but three of his shots missed, and we landed on two. Despite scoring just once, I thought Dallas' offense performed better in Game 4 with Roope Hintz back in the lineup. They moved the puck well and got good looks but Stuart Skinner has been a wall in the last three games, stopping 86 of 88 shots. I do think Skinner is playing a bit over his head and I expect the Stars to fight hard at home with their season on the line. I laid -1 at plus money with all four games in the series being decided by 3+ goals but like Dallas ML too.

Edmonton is clearly the better team, but Dallas is playing for its season Thursday and has been much better at home in these playoffs (7-2). And the Oilers have lost top-line winger Zach Hyman for likely the rest of the postseason due to injury suffered in Game 4. That's a substantial loss as not only is Hyman a very good offensive player, he is one of the team's most physical guys. I'd expect the Stars to take advantage Thursday.