The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs field is down to the final four. The Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers face off in a rematch of the 2023 Eastern Conference finals, while the Western Conference finals are a return bout from 2024 between the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers.

Ekholm, 34, played just one game in April after missing the remainder of the season with his injury. Since then, Edmonton’s blue line has leaned on Darnell Nurse, Evan Bouchard, Brett Kulak, Jake Walman, Troy Stecher, and John Klingberg, with Ty Emberson in a supporting role.

DALLAS -- The Dallas Stars will play the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference Final for the second straight season, starting with Game 1 at American Airlines Center on Wednesday (8 p.m. ET; ESPN+, ESPN, SN, TVAS, CBC).

Only the Dallas Stars remain in the way in the west as the Oilers prepare for a Western Conference Final rematch that starts on Wednesday night. The team is making final preparations for the series, having one last practice in the Alberta capital on Monday morning before flying off to Texas.

One of Canada’s remaining stars offered a perspective on the pressure of playing north of the border. Leon Draisaitl, speaking Monday as the Edmonton Oilers prepare for the Western Conference Final, addressed whether the intense environment around Canadian teams creates a unique challenge.

For several years running, there have been whispers (some louder than others) suggesting the Edmonton Oilers can be distracted from winning games with rugged play and heavy hits. It’s a criticism that arises specifically when discussing defensive retrievals and outlets after opponents dump the puck in and race for possession.

Mattias Ekholm is close to making his return to the Edmonton Oilers lineup, and he finally broke his silence on Monday morning.

The Dallas Stars drafted forward Wyatt Johnston with the No. 23 overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. Three years later, he's helped lead the Stars into the Western Conference Final for the third consecutive season.

Here's a look at some key Edmonton players who increased their playing time despite being on the sidelines for Game 1.

BOTTOM LINE: The Dallas Stars host the Edmonton Oilers to start the Western Conference finals. The teams meet Wednesday for the fourth time this season. The Stars went 2-1 against the Oilers during the regular season. In their last regular season matchup on March 26, the Stars won 4-3.

President Donald Trump's sweeping tax-cut bill passed a key committee and will move to a House vote. Edmonton Oilers’ Zach Hyman is set to face off against the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Finals.

Leon Draisaitl addressed the heightened pressure faced by the Edmonton Oilers due to Canadian fans' intense hockey focus, asserting the team's ability to handle it. His comments have resonated with fans,