Two of the top teams in the league will clash Saturday night as the defending Western Conference champs play host to this year’s favorites.
My Stars vs. Oilers predictions expect a competitive, high-event game between the two teams, with star defenseman Evan Bouchard taking advantage of Dallas’ recent dip defensively.
Let’s dive deeper into my NHL picks for March 8.
My Oilers pick
Evan Bouchard Over 2.5 shots (-105 at BET99)
My Oilers analysis
Evan Bouchard is one of the best volume-shooting defensemen in the NHL. He has piled up 182 shots on target this season, a total bested by only Cale Makar and Zach Werenski.
Bouchard has averaged 2.9 shots per game and cleared 2.5 shots at a healthy 55% clip. Good numbers that he’s only ramped up further as the season has progressed.
Zooming in a little bit, Bouchard has averaged 3.4 shots on goal and posted a 60% hit rate over his last 30 games. Top tier outputs.
Bouchard is in a sneaky-good spot to continue firing at will against the Dallas Stars. They are a true Stanley Cup contender and improved further with the addition of Mikko Rantanen.
However, they are vulnerable defensively without Miro Heiskanen. They rank 29th in shot suppression since he went down with an injury.
Their metrics are even worse over the past 10 games. The Dallas Stars sit 31st in 5v5 shots allowed and 26th in shot share. They’re giving up a lot.
A healthy chunk of that volume has come from opposing defensemen. They’ve conceded the 6th most shots to blueliners in that span.
Bouchard averages upwards of 24 minutes per night and is never shy about firing the puck. He’s as good of a bet as any to take advantage of the Stars in their current state.
While the two sides haven’t met since October, it’s worth noting Bouchard registered five shots on nine attempts in that game.
Oilers vs Stars same-game parlay (SGP)
Evan Bouchard Over 2.5 shots
Evan Bouchard Over 0.5 points
Connor McDavid Over 0.5 goals
Bouchard is sizzling hot. He has points in seven of his last 10 games and has piled up nine in aggregate.
Even more impressive is he’s done this while the Oilers were nowhere near the top of their game. They have another gear (or two) to go up, and a date with a powerhouse team in the Stars could be just what the doctor ordered to bring their best to the surface.
Bouchard has excelled against the Stars in the past, recording six points over their last five head-to-head meetings.
Connor McDavid hasn’t produced like his usual self of late but there’s reason to believe he’s trending in the right direction. His shot volume has increased in four consecutive games, capped by a 10-attempt, seven-chance performance against Montreal last time out.
Like Bouchard, McDavid owns a pretty good track record against the Stars. He’s scored in four of his past seven home dates vs. Dallas.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Bet on the NHL at BET99!
One of Canada's best sportsbooks for hockey betting, join BET99 and get up to $1,500 bonus bets back if your first bet doesn’t win when using our BET99 promo code COVERSBONUS!
*Not available in Ontario. 19+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Oilers vs Stars odds
Oilers vs Stars live odds
Oilers vs Stars opening odds
- Puck line: Edmonton -1.5 (+202) | Dallas +1.5 (-241)
- Moneyline: Edmonton (-116) | Dallas (+103)
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-111) | Under 6.5 (-103)
Odds courtesy of BET99
Oilers vs Stars trend
Evan Bouchard has averaged 3.3 shots per game over his last 10 against Dallas. Find more NHL betting trends for Oilers vs. Stars.
How to watch Oilers vs Stars
| Location | American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX |
| Date | Saturday, 3-8-2025 |
| Puck drop | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | CBC |
Oilers vs Stars latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
