NHL Predictions: Dallas Stars vs Pittsburgh Penguins, March 28th

Penguins Story

Pittsburgh comes into this game following a 4-3 win over the Ottawa Senators in the shootout on Thursday evening. With the victory, Pittsburgh is 5-3-2 in their last 10. With an overall record of 36-20-16 on the season, the Penguins rank second in the Metropolitan Division, just a point ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Closing in on the last 10 games of the season, Pittsburgh is trying to stave off the Jackets and the New York Islanders en route to the team’s first Stanley Cup Playoff appearance in four years. The Penguins will need to continue accumulating points wherever possible.

Credit Image: © Jordan Teller/ISIPhotos via ZUMA Press Wire

Injuries have been a big issue for the Penguins over the last couple of months. The Penguins, already missing Evgeni Malkin, saw their captain, Sidney Crosby, suffer yet another injury in the game against Ottawa. Although it’s unclear what exactly happened, it seems an awkward hit may have injured Crosby’s lower body, as he was taken out of the game in the first period and did not return. In his absence, it was once again defenceman Erik Karlsson who stepped up. The Swedish star took over the game, scoring a goal and two assists against his former team. Karlsson is up to 12 goals and 57 points in 67 games this season. Fellow Swedish Olympian Rickard Rakell also played a huge role, scoring two goals and an assist. He’s up to 17 goals and 39 points through 51 games. 

In net, expect Arturs Silovs to get the start with Stuart Skinner appearing in the win against Ottawa. Silovs is 16-10-8 with an .891 save percentage this season. However, now is a good time to remind you to always check official lineups before finalizing any bets. 

Stars Story

Dallas comes into this game off a 2-1 loss to the New York Islanders. With the loss, the Stars are 5-4-1 in their last 10. Their overall record of 43-18-11 places them second in the NHL, one of only two teams to have already qualified for the playoffs, the other being their divisional rivals in the Colorado Avalanche.  This has been a fantastic season for the Dallas Stars. A juggernaut team gearing up for the playoffs and looking to make an impact. Facing the Pittsburgh Penguins, Dallas will be looking to sort out kinks in their game with the playoffs looming. 

The Dallas Stars may be one of the most well-constructed teams in the league. They are led in scoring by forward Jason Robertson. Appearing in trade rumours this past year, the former second-round pick has 39 goals and 85 points through 72 games. The Stars also boast three point-per-game forwards. In addition to Robertson, Wyatt Johnston and Mikko Rantanen are above this threshold. Johnston has scored 40 goals and 78 points through 72 games this season. Rantanen, meanwhile, has missed some time with injury, playing in just 54 games. He’s made the most of them, however, scoring 20 goals and 69 points in his first full season with the Stars following a move from the Carolina Hurricanes last season. Watch for this trio to terrorize the Penguins in their matchup. 

Expect Jake Oettinger to appear in net for the Stars. The former first-round pick has had a good season, with a record of 29-11-6 and a .901 save percentage through 47 appearances. 

Prediction

The Penguins are sure to have some momentum coming into this game after a huge win over the Senators. Dallas, meanwhile, has seemed to slow down a little bit, perhaps saving their energy for the postseason. Expect the Penguins to get a crucial two points in this game.

Prediction: Penguins win 5-4

Prop Bet of the Night

Expecting a higher scoring game, a popular prop bet of goals over seven with odds of +205 is a good one. 

Main Photo: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images