Cody Ceci enters the Western Conference finals with the Dallas Stars facing his former team, the Edmonton Oilers, creating a unique narrative as both teams vie for a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals. Ceci was instrumental for the Oilers during their playoff runs, particularly noted for his defensive prowess and penalty-killing skills. This year, he has transitioned to a similar role with the Stars, where his presence has bolstered a penalty kill that has achieved an impressive 86.1% success rate in the playoffs thus far.

As the Stars prepare for Game 1, Ceci acknowledges the emotional complexity of competing against his former teammates, emphasizing the need to put friendships aside for the sake of competition. Meanwhile, the Oilers, having a wealth of playoff experience, look to leverage their veteran status against the Stars. The matchup promises to be a hard-fought battle with both teams intent on claiming victory and advancing deeper into the playoff bracket.