Golden Knights vs. Stars prediction, odds, TV schedule for Western Conference Final of 2023 NHL playoffs

A rematch of the 2020 Western Conference Final is on tap in 2023. 

For the second time in four years, the Golden Knights and Stars are meeting for a berth in the Stanley Cup Final. 

Vegas defeated Edmonton in its second-round series. The Golden Knights struggled to contain the Oilers' potent power play but dominated at 5 on 5 to knock out Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Co. in six games. 

Dallas had its hands full with Seattle in the second round, but the Stars managed a victory over the Kraken in seven games. Roope Hintz and Joe Pavelski played pivotal roles in the team advancing, while 20-year-old Wyatt Johnston scored the decisive goal in Dallas' 2-1 Game 7 win over Seattle.

Both the Stars and Golden Knights have recently played in a Stanley Cup Final. Vegas made it in the club's inaugural season in 2018 but lost to Washington in five games. After beating Vegas, Dallas played in the 2020 final against Tampa Bay but lost in six. 

The Golden Knights have never won a Stanley Cup, while the Stars have just one Cup victory, which came in 1999. 

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Here's what you need to know about the series between the Golden Knights and Stars. 

Key storyline: Which team's stars shine the brightest?

Vegas and Dallas each have exceptional depth up and down their lineups. However, when it comes to success this postseason, it's been all about the big guns. 

On the Golden Knights' side, it's been hard to tell this is Jack Eichel's first postseason. The 26-year-old leads the team in points with 14 and has recorded at least one point in seven of his 11 playoff games. Mark Stone has played well coming off of back surgery, right behind Eichel with 12. 

For the Stars, it's been all about Hintz and Pavelski. Hintz's 19 points lead the team and his nine goals are first on the team. The veteran Pavelski missed most of the series against the Wild in the first round, but responded by scoring eight goals in the series against the Kraken. 

It's cliche, but every team needs their stars to show up in the postseason. It's what has gotten the Stars and Golden Knights this far. Each club is going to look to their big players to come up once again in the conference finals. 

Golden Knights vs. Stars playoff schedule, TV channels

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Golden Knights vs. Stars odds

The Golden Knights are favored in the series against the Stars, according to Sports Interaction.

Golden Knights: -133

Stars: +105

Golden Knights vs. Stars prediction

It's not easy to contain the Oilers' high-powered offense, but the Golden Knights did enough, especially at 5 on 5. It will be more of the same vs. the Stars. 

No one on the planet is at the level of McDavid and Draisaitl, but the Stars' top forwards play a fast, north-south style. Dallas is also getting production up and down the lineup; it no longer is relying solely on its top forward unit of Pavelski, Hintz and Jason Robertson. 

While Vegas was impressive in its series win over Edmonton, the uncertainty in the crease is a concern. It's difficult to have faith in any of the goalies out-dueling Oettinger while keeping Dallas' offense in check.

The Stars get another crack to win the second Stanley Cup in club history.