Connor McDavid vs. Jake Oettinger: Why This Matchup Defines the NHL Right Now
Photo credit: Dallas Morning news
Every time the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers meet in the playoffs, it feels less like a coincidence and more like destiny as their showdowns over the past two years have created one of the NHL's most gripping rivalries, filled with superstar battles, momentum swings, and just enough bad blood to make every shift feel like a turning point.
The stage always seems set for Connor McDavid's raw speed to test Jake Oettinger's unshakable composure in goal. When McDavid cuts through defenders at full stride and Oettinger squares up calmly, the tension inside the arena feels like it could snap.
But that's only part of the drama. Mikko Rantanen's arrival in Dallas has added another heavyweight dimension, as he finds himself battling Leon Draisaitl shift after shift. These games feel like a heavyweight fight where both teams trade blows until one cracks first.
Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers are shaping the NHL's defining rivalry of this era
The Stars drew first blood in 2024, their depth and Oettinger's timely saves silencing Edmonton. But the Oilers returned the favor in 2025, ousting Dallas in a Western Conference Final that left Stars fans reeling over what might have been.
What makes this rivalry so magnetic is how evenly matched the two sides are. Edmonton leans on McDavid and Draisaitl's offensive firepower, while Dallas counters with a balanced mix of defense, resilience, and rising stars like Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston.
As one fan summed up online:
«This rivalry has everything. Superstars, drama, and the feeling that you can't look away for a single second.»
Personally, I think this is exactly the kind of rivalry the NHL needs right now. It's modern, it's fueled by elite players, and it's building the type of legacy that could define an entire generation of playoff hockey. If the Stars and Oilers collide again in 2026, it could go down as the most important chapter yet.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 5 | 16 ANSWERS Connor McDavid vs. Jake Oettinger: Why This Matchup Defines the NHL Right Now Do you think the Dallas Stars vs. Edmonton Oilers is now the NHL's best rivalry? | ||
| Yes, nothing beats it right now | 9 | 56.3 % |
| No, there are bigger rivalries elsewhere | 7 | 43.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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