logo
OilersNation has no direct affiliation to the Edmonton Oilers, Oilers Entertainment Group, NHL, or NHLPA
Pre-Scout: Oilers can capitalize on bruised Dallas Stars lineup
alt
Photo credit: © Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
Michael Menzies
Nov 25, 2025, 10:00 ESTUpdated: Nov 25, 2025, 10:11 EST
Comments
The Dallas Stars will be without their top weapon — both offensively and physically — during their first visit to Edmonton since last season’s Western Conference Final. 
That was Game 4 of a quick work series for the Oilers, of course, and the Stars laid their revenge on Edmonton back on Nov. 4 in a 4-3 shootout win. 
Mikko Rantanen had two goals and an assist in that game, as the Oilers blew multiple two-goal leads in the loss. 
But the big Finn is suspended following his reckless boarding major against Matt Coronato of the Calgary Flames on Saturday night. It capped off a week in the headlines for Rantanen, especially after barreling into Alex Romanov with seconds left against the Islanders, a play this writer believes he was fortunate not to be suspended for. 
If guest Hockey Night in Canada panellist Chris Pronger isn’t making your defence, you’re in trouble. 
The Stars paid the price within that game. They came back from two down, but couldn’t score on a 5-on-3 power play down the stretch of regulation, and eventually lost in the shootout. 
Rantanen leads the league in power-play points (15), which is two more than McDavid, and penalty minutes (57), five more than Tom Wilson. Exclusive company. 
The loser point moves the Stars’ record to 13-5-4 and 6-2-1 since their last game against the Oilers. Their northwest road trip concludes tomorrow in Seattle before they return home for a Friday tilt against Utah. 

Wounded defenders

The Stars continue to face significant injuries, particularly on the backend. 
Thomas Harley hasn’t played since Nov. 13 and is week-to-week. Ilya Lyubushkin didn’t make the road trip, and Matt Duchene still awaits injection into the lineup. Pay attention to his status. There’s an outside chance he gets upgraded. 
Miro Heiskanen played a season high 32:47 on Saturday, and more minutes for Liam Bischel and even Alex Petrovic, who both played over 21 minutes by necessity. 
Jamie Benn is back and has played three games and contributed an assist. 
Another big change will be the anticipated start of Jake Oettinger, who missed the last head-to-head due to the birth of his child. Casey DeSmith started Saturday. Oettinger has won nine of his 15 appearances, with a 2.72GAA and a .902 save percentage. 
Zach Hyman and Roope Hintz didn’t play in that game either, as both were victims of plays that cost them games in the playoffs. 
Is this the time that such justice is doled out? Probably not. But the Oilers are riding an emotional high following the win over Florida on Saturday. 
It’s just a one-game homestand for the Oilers. They also go to Seattle on Saturday. Typically, the first home game after an extended road trip can be a flat spot for teams, but the Oilers had this situation already. 
Edmonton’s five-game road trip in October ended with a one-game return to host Montreal, before playing the weekend away. They won that game 6-5. 

Notes:

  • Jason Robertson has a six-game goal streak, operating with 10-5–15 in his last seven games. His 28 points are tied for the team lead, which leaves him on the fringe of the top-10 in NHL scoring. 
  • Wyatt Johnston had three points vs EDM a few weeks ago, but has gone four games without a point. The young gun is also on the periphery of Team Canada discussion, but has been outshone as of late by Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard. 
  • According to Natural Stat Trick, the Stars had significantly more High Danger Scoring Chances than the Oilers on Nov. 4 by an 11-3 margin. 
  • Remember: Battle of the powerplays. The Stars have a slightly better percentage at the moment, with a 29.3% success rate to the Oilers’ 28.8%. They rank second and third, respectively, and both scored once on the PP on Nov. 4. 
  • Even with Edmonton’s injuries, the Oilers having the last chance against this current Stars D-core ought to lead to great opportunities. 
  • NFL quarterbacks continue to don Stars jerseys, such as when Kyler Murray did on Monday Night Football on Nov. 3. This time, it’s Saints rookie Tyler Slough. Murray had style with a Modano ‘99 jersey. Slough’s is blank. As an adult with money, who buys a jersey with no name?
  • The Oilers are 5-2 at home vs the Stars as of late.

PRESENTED BY VIVID SEATS

Take $20 off your first Vivid Seats order of $200+ using promo code OILERSNATION (new customers only, $200 USD minimum before taxes & fees).

Gameday Previews

News

Featured

Breaking News