Martin Biron’s prediction isn’t just based on statistics — it’s rooted in the patterns and emotions that define playoff hockey
With Jake Oettinger standing tall in the crease and Mikko Rantanen in peak form, the Stars look poised to reach the Stanley Cup Final.
While Edmonton’s offensive firepower and past success against Dallas are not to be ignored, Biron’s forecast suggests the Stars have learned from the past, reloaded for the present, and are ready to shine in the future.
In a sport where momentum shifts with a single bounce, it all comes down to who can rise when the lights are brightest.
According to Biron — and based on how this Dallas team is playing — the Stars might just burn brightest this time around.
This Western Conference Finals showdown boils down to a classic matchup of experience versus momentum.
Oettinger, with more playoff success and a larger body of elite-level performance, brings stability to the Stars. Skinner, meanwhile, has the “hot hand” and is riding a wave of redemption.
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Martin Biron: Goaltending Duel Could Decide the Series
As much as analysts love to talk about matchups, line pairings, and shot metrics, it’s often the goaltending battle that determines who advances.1
In this case, the spotlight shines bright on the crease.
Oettinger is considered one of the league’s most technically sound goaltenders — he tracks the puck exceptionally well and rarely gives up second-chance opportunities. His glove hand is quick, and his lateral movement is elite.
For Skinner, the challenge will be staying within himself and not trying to do too much to match Oettinger’s highlight-reel saves.
“There’s no need to be a superhero,” Biron advised. “Just give your team a chance. That’s all they’re asking for.”
Coaching Faith: Knoblauch’s Crucial Gamble
Head coach Kris Knoblauch’s decision to reinstate Skinner could prove to be a defining moment in Edmonton’s playoff run.
Benching a goalie in the postseason can damage a player’s confidence, but bringing them back in a pressure-packed situation — and seeing them deliver — speaks volumes.
Knoblauch has been clear: Skinner earned his spot back through his play and preparation. “Stuart put in the work behind the scenes.
We liked what we saw in practice and in his mental focus. He’s earned this,” Knoblauch said in a post-game presser.
That trust seems to have re-energized Skinner, who now plays with a noticeable calmness and command of the crease.
Martin Biron: The Unsung Factor
Edmonton’s Defensive Commitment
While Skinner’s recent shutouts steal the headlines, credit must also be given to the Oilers’ improved defensive play.2
Defensemen like Mattias Ekholm and Darnell Nurse have tightened their gap control and minimized second-chance opportunities, making Skinner’s job much easier.
Puck management from the forwards has also improved. Players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Evander Kane have been backchecking with purpose, helping Edmonton to protect leads and manage the neutral zone better.
This collective buy-in on defense is essential if Skinner hopes to maintain his form against a Dallas team that can roll four lines with consistent offensive pressure.
Can Skinner Empower the Oilers’ Star Power?
It’s not enough for Skinner to simply play well — he needs to play well enough to give Edmonton’s offensive stars room to operate. Biron emphasized this point, noting that when a goalie is steady, it energizes the top lines.
“If Skinner’s giving up three or four every game, it puts too much pressure on McDavid and Draisaitl. But if he holds the opposition to two or fewer? Then you’re unlocking your firepower,” Biron said.
It becomes a domino effect: solid goaltending leads to confident play up the ice, which leads to better possession and more scoring chances.
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Martin Biron’s Bold Prediction
Former NHL goaltender and current analyst Martin Biron has made a bold prediction ahead of the 2025 Western Conference Final, picking the Dallas Stars to exact revenge on the Edmonton Oilers by winning the series in six games.3
Biron believes that this year’s Dallas squad is not only better equipped but also fueled by last season’s heartbreaking defeat to the Oilers.
According to Biron, two key figures stand out in Dallas’s campaign: Jake Oettinger, the dependable goaltender who has found another gear this postseason, and Mikko Rantanen, the skilled forward who’s heating up at just the right time.
Biron emphasizes that if these two continue their strong form, the Stars will be headed to the Stanley Cup Final.
Man I took a big right to the mask in that scrum!!! Should have just stayed in my crease!!! https://t.co/yGwHyngGKF
— Martin Biron (@martybiron43) May 14, 2025
Oettinger’s Elite Goaltending: The Foundation of Dallas’ Run
Jake Oettinger has emerged as one of the NHL’s premier playoff goaltenders. Known for his calm demeanor and quick reflexes, Oettinger has taken his game to another level in the 2025 postseason.
Biron underlined the importance of Oettinger’s performances in this series, describing him as a “difference-maker.”
“Trying to beat Jake Oettinger right now is a tough task,” said Biron. “He’s locked in, reading plays well, and making the kind of saves that kill momentum.”
Oettinger’s postseason stats reinforce Biron’s confidence. With a save percentage north of .920 and multiple high-pressure wins under his belt, he has proven to be the backbone of Dallas’ defense. His ability to shut down power plays and come up big in third periods has kept the Stars alive in tight contests.
Martin Biron: Revenge Is a Powerful Motivator
Dallas hasn’t forgotten last year’s bitter ending. The Oilers beat them in the 2024 Western Conference Finals, ending a strong Stars playoff run.
This year’s series provides a chance at redemption, and that storyline is fueling the locker room.
Head coach Peter DeBoer has publicly acknowledged how last year’s loss stung and how the team has grown since.
The Stars now have more depth, better puck control, and a more cohesive defensive core, anchored by Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell.
The Skinner Situation: Déjà Vu for Edmonton?
On the other end of the ice, Edmonton’s goaltending situation remains precarious. Stuart Skinner, the Oilers’ starting netminder, has had a rollercoaster postseason.
Much like in 2024, he was benched during the second round after three poor performances against the Vancouver Canucks.
Skinner returned for Games 6 and 7 and helped Edmonton stave off elimination. He has since started 16 consecutive games and holds a .901 save percentage.
That includes making 142 saves on 154 shots against Dallas — solid numbers on paper, but not entirely reassuring considering Dallas’ growing offensive power.
The big question is whether Skinner can hold firm against a red-hot Rantanen and a relentless Dallas forecheck.
Edmonton’s Counterpunch: Can McDavid and Draisaitl Tip the Scales?
Despite Biron’s confidence in the Stars, the Oilers can never be counted out as long as they have Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on their side.
Arguably the most dynamic duo in hockey, these two superstars have carried Edmonton through difficult stretches.
McDavid’s speed and vision, combined with Draisaitl’s elite playmaking and shooting, make them a threat on every shift. They’ve elevated their game in previous playoff rounds and will need to do so again against Oettinger.
The Stars’ defensive corps will have their hands full trying to contain these two. Heiskanen, in particular, will be counted on to shadow McDavid when possible.
Martin Biron: Coaching Chess Match
Both coaches deserve credit for their postseason success. Peter DeBoer, a veteran bench boss, has molded Dallas into a disciplined, counter-attacking machine.
On the other side, Kris Knoblauch, who took over Edmonton partway through the regular season, has done well to stabilize the team and make deep tactical adjustments.
Expect both to make constant in-series tweaks, especially with matchups and special teams deployment.
Special Teams Could Be the X-Factor
In the playoffs, special teams often separate winners from losers. Dallas boasts one of the league’s most efficient penalty-killing units, while Edmonton’s power play—featuring McDavid, Draisaitl, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins—is historically dominant.
Whichever team can win the battle of special teams may gain a significant edge. A few well-timed goals with the man advantage, or a critical penalty kill late in a game, could be the difference between a 3-2 win or a 3-2 loss.
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Intangibles and the Will to Win
Playoff hockey is as much mental as it is physical. The Stars’ ability to stay composed, execute under pressure, and draw on last year’s heartbreak gives them a psychological edge.
Meanwhile, the Oilers are attempting to build on last year’s run and shed the narrative that they can’t finish.
Rantanen’s leadership and championship pedigree (with Colorado in 2022) might also play a role, especially in close games.
Key Matchups to Watch
Several individual matchups could tilt the series:
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Jake Oettinger vs. Stuart Skinner: The goaltending battle will be front and center. If Skinner falters even briefly, it could swing momentum firmly in Dallas’ favor.
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Rantanen vs. Nurse: Edmonton defenseman Darnell Nurse will likely be tasked with neutralizing Rantanen. If he fails to slow him down, the Oilers could be in trouble.
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Robertson-Hintz-Rantanen vs. McDavid-Draisaitl-Hyman: Top-line battles often decide playoff series, and this will be no different. The line that can consistently generate scoring chances and hem the other in their zone will set the tone.
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