DraftKings: Western Conference Final preview

With the Stanley Cup Playoffs down to four remaining teams, the Western Conference Final features the Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars, a rematch of the 2020 conference final. The Golden Knights topped the Winnipeg Jets in five games and the Edmonton Oilers in six games to reach this point. The Stars defeated the Minnesota Wild in six games and the Seattle Kraken in seven games.

Which Western Conference team could have what it takes to hoist the Stanley Cup? Let's dive right into how this series looks based on betting odds and trends via DraftKings Sportsbook.

DraftKings Sportsbook Western Conference Final Preview

Related: [Eastern Conference Final preview]

Vegas Golden Knights

The Golden Knights had quite the task to control Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and the Oilers after facing the Jets, who had several significant injuries. Vegas, led by forwards Jack Eichel (14 points) and Mark Stone (12 points), is averaging 3.73 goals per game -- the most among the four remaining playoff teams. The Golden Knights have allowed just 13 high-danger chances so far this postseason but have taken a step back on special teams posting the worst penalty kill (60.0) and power-play percentages (17.5) of the remaining teams. Although the Golden Knights defense contained the Oilers offense at 5-on-5, it will come down to how well the goaltending can hold up for another series against strong forward lines.

Dallas Stars

Although the Stars have already played 13 games this postseason (only the Seattle Kraken played more with 14), they remain dominant with talent from top to bottom. Dallas scores at almost the same rate as Vegas, averaging 3.62 per game with a very deep offensive attack. Most recently, veteran Joe Pavelski (10 points) scored eight goals in the series against the Kraken. The Stars will likely take advantage in the special teams department, with a power-play percentage of 31.7 and penalty kill percentage of 83.3. Possibly the biggest focus is how well Dallas goalie Jake Oettinger, who has just a .903 save percentage in the playoffs, will play this series because he has noticeably struggled in some games but is 5-0 following a loss this postseason.

Golden Knights-Stars Series Props

Based on betting odds on DraftKings Sportsbook, this series features two consistent and well-rounded teams that can make opponents pay on either side of the ice. The Stars have six players with at least four goals this postseason, led by Roope Hintz (19 points; leads Dallas with nine goals). It's impressive that Eichel is playing the way he is with no prior playoff experience, but the return of Stone for the start of the postseason has certainly made the Vegas offense much deeper than it was in the regular season. Eichel and Hintz are the front-runners to score the most goals in this series and are worth consideration when placing any series player props.

These two teams met in this same round in 2020, when the Stars won the series in five games. Each roster is arguably better than it was at that time, but the Stars have scored the most goals (47) in the playoffs and have plenty of depth to take advantage of the Golden Knights weaknesses on special teams. All in all, this series is going to be a dogfight and it would be very surprising to see it end in fewer than six games. Vegas goaltending can be suspect at times, which could allow Dallas to steal some games, but Oettinger has been nowhere near the level from last postseason, when he had a .954 save percentage in seven games.

As for any future bets, DraftKings Sportsbook favors the Golden Knights (+260) over the Stars (+310) to win it all. Vegas' handling of Edmonton is far more impressive than Dallas' two opponents so far, but the Stars have the upper-hand in terms of both depth and experience. If you can't decide which team to bet, there is always the over/under series goals, currently set at 33.5, for what should be a very competitive series.

Note: If you're new to betting, the Golden Knights' +260 odds mean a $100 bet would profit $260 for a total payout of $360 if they win the Stanley Cup.

--

See all NHL odds at DraftKings Sportsbook or by downloading the DraftKings Sportsbook app.

All odds are provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and are subject to change. Gambling Problem? Call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelpline.ma.org (MA), Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY).

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/LA/MD/MI/NJ/OH/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA).

Odds and lines subject to change. 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA (select parishes)/MA/MD/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & resort (KS).