Welcome to the latest edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, our team here at Last Word on Hockey breaks down head-to-head matchups and other key elements that may influence the outcome of each game. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. This NHL Predictions article analyzes the matchup between the Dallas Stars and the Chicago Blackhawks in Dallas, Texas on Thursday evening.
NHL Predictions
Dallas Stars vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Time: 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Victory+, ESPN+; Sportsnet
The Stars and the Blackhawks meet for the second time this season with two more regular season games remaining between them. The teams last met on October 26th in Dallas, a game which Dallas won 4-2. In that game, the Stars opened up a 3-0 lead, but the Blackhawks nearly forced overtime with a third-period rally. Matt Duchene‘s empty-net goal with 18 seconds left sealed the win for Dallas.
Not much time has past since then, as the Stars went off on a two-game trip to Finland, losing both games against the Florida Panthers. Chicago, meanwhile, has won three of its last five games, yet still finds itself near the bottom of the Central Division. So, just who will come out on top in this divisional clash?
Dallas Stars Story
Dallas (7-4-0) returns to the ice after a ten-day break following back-to-back games against the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in Finland. The Stars have won 12 of the last 15 meetings against the Blackhawks, including five of the last six played in Dallas. The Stars enter this game as the third-place team in the Central Division. After a hot start, they have lost three of their last five games. However, Dallas is undefeated at home entering this one and has had a chance to rest up and get healthy.
The Stars’ second line has been its most consistent forward group, accounting for 32 points (14 goals and 18 assists). However, both Tyler Seguin and Mason Marchment are nursing injuries that may cause some shuffling among the forwards. Head coach Pete DeBoer mentioned that Seguin’s injury may linger all season, and the club believes Marchment’s injury is “minor.”
Forward Wyatt Johnston, heralded as one of the top young players league-wide, has struggled offensively out of the gate, only managing six points (a goal and five assists) in 11 games. While that streak is concerning, he did have a point in the last game against Florida, and his past streakiness has the team confident he can break out of his slump. Meanwhile, defencemen Miro Heiskanen and Thomas Harley have been racking up points in recent games, and Heiskanen enters Thursday with a seven-game point streak against Chicago.
Chicago Blackhawks Story
The Blackhawks (5-8-1) have been playing more games recently and did not have to travel overseas. While still dwelling near the bottom of the Central Division, Chicago beat an excellent Los Angeles Kings team and had a rather decisive victory in Colorado. During those games, Chicago was able to turn up the pressure in the third period, storming back from a 2-0 deficit against the Kings and turning a slight advantage against the Avs into a blowout.
Thursday’s game will be the second of a back-to-back for Chicago. The Blackhawks lost a 4-1 home game to Detroit on Wednesday, allowing three goals in the final 32:27 of game time.
Forward Nick Foligno has two goals in the last three games. Second-year Connor Bedard continues to lead the team with 12 points, and Ryan Donato leads Chicago with seven goals. Both Bedard and Donato scored in the last meeting with Dallas.
NHL Prediction
The Blackhawks have some talent, but Dallas still has way too much firepower. Yes, that was limited against the defending Stanley Cup champions, but it should have no issues against Chicago’s goaltending duo, especially with ten days off. Dallas has been phenomenal on home ice this year, and that should continue on Thursday, even if the Blackhawks’ offensive charge continues to threaten.
Prediction: Stars win 5-3.
Prop Bets of the Night
Using Bet365, Bedard at +200 to score at any time seems like a good call. He only has three goals this season, but one came against Dallas, and he is too good of a scorer for that drought to continue. We also like Tyler Bertuzzi (+140) to have a point and Dallas’ Logan Stankoven (+275) to score. He only has one goal on the season, so it’s a bold play, but his scoring capabilities have to kick in at some point.
Main Photo: Jerome Miron – USA TODAY Sports
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions, some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
