Oilers, Stars Begin Western Conference Final Game 1 in Dallas

The Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers are set to face off in the Western Conference finals, marking a rematch of last year's series which Edmonton won. The Stars are aiming for redemption starting with Game 1 at the American Airlines Center, hoping to overcome special teams challenges that ended their previous season. Edmonton’s lineup may see a last-minute change as forward Connor Brown is a game-time decision due to injury, with Viktor Arvidsson ready to step in if needed. Defenseman Mattias Ekholm of the Oilers recently returned to full practice but will miss at least the first two games, with hopes of rejoining later in the series. The Oilers remain the only Canadian team left in the Stanley Cup playoffs after the elimination of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets. Puck drop for the opening game in Dallas is scheduled for 6 PM.