Welcome back to NHL Predictions here on\u00a0Last Word On Hockey<\/i>! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for NHL games all season long. For this edition, we will be looking at Tuesday’s matchup featuring the Dallas Stars and the New York Rangers.<\/p>\nNHL Predictions: New York Rangers vs Dallas Stars<\/h2>\n
2025-26 Season Series: <\/strong>First game this season (2024-25 season: Rangers 1-1 Stars)<\/p>\n How To Watch:<\/strong><\/a> Victory+, MSG2<\/p>\n Time:<\/strong> 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n Location:<\/strong> Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York<\/p>\n This game is an interesting matchup between two teams in different divisions for many reasons. The main reason is that the Stars and Rangers play very different styles of hockey. The Stars are a talented team on offence, and the Rangers are one of the more stout defences in the league. This best-on-best matchup makes this game very interesting. The Rangers were just recently on a three-game winning streak, and New York will look to continue their recent success. However, two injuries will make their lives much harder.<\/p>\n Adam Fox<\/a> and Jonathon Quick have been placed on IR, which will hurt the Rangers significantly. Fox is the Rangers’ quarterback on the power play, and losing him will hurt them in that regard. Expect Braden Schneider<\/a> and Matthew Robinson to see more ice time, with Schneider most likely taking the quarterback role on the power play. Scott Morrow<\/a> could also be called up to fill in Fox’s spot as well.<\/p>\n The Stars meanwhile finished November strong, and Dallas is currently on a four-game win streak, and their offense has three-or-more goals in each game. Miro Heiskanen<\/a> has returned from injury and continued to produce at a high level. Forwards such as Jason Robertson<\/a>, Mikko Rantanen<\/a>, Rope Hintz and of course, Wyatt Johnston<\/a> give the Stars one of the best forward groups in the league. Robertson in particular has been on a tear the past two weeks, and he is up to 35 points in 26 games this year. Johnston and Rantanen are above a point per game as well. Johnston has a large lead in power play goals, with 12. The next is a group at seven, that includes Leon Draisaitl and Kirill Kaprizov.<\/p>\n For the Rangers, the big key for this game is to stay out of the penalty box and shut down the Stars offense. If Dallas builds a multi-goal lead, New York will most likely not be able to catch back up. Their offense has been inconsistent all season, and they will need to focus on defense for this game. The Stars have one of the best power plays in the league, so staying out of the box could help to slow them down. Artemi Panarin<\/a> and Mika Zibanejad<\/a> have been more consistent offensively, and New York will continue to look there to keep the offense afloat.<\/p>\n Igor Shesterkin<\/a> will get the start for the Rangers, and he’s been playing well so far this year. However, losing Quick forces Shesterkin to play more games. The more games he plays, the more exhausted he gets. That doesn’t bode well for the Rangers, and they will need Quick to come back, well, quickly. Shesterkin’s exhaustion has already started to creep in, showcased in the Rangers 4-1 loss to Tampa Bay on Sunday. Spencer Martin<\/a> was called up, but he has yet to play a game this season.<\/p>\n For the Stars, the key for this one is to keep their offense rolling. The Stars are the better team, and they just need to play like it. The Stars aren’t able to rely on goaltending like the Rangers since Jake Oettinger<\/a> got injured. Casey DeSmith<\/a> has been decent for them so far, but it won’t be the same long term. Dallas will instead need to turn to Robertson and the rest of the offense to dominate the field of play. That shouldn’t be a problem against the Rangers, who mustered only 16 shots and one goal against the Lightning.<\/p>\n Stars 5-2 Rangers<\/em><\/p>\n This is a tough game for the Rangers. The Stars are the better team in almost every regard. Dallas has a more consistent and explosive offence, and the Rangers just don’t have the firepower to keep up. Not all hope is lost for the Rangers as long as Shesterkin is in net, but this will be a tough game for him to carry New York to a victory.<\/p>\n For bets to watch, look at Jason Robertson as an anytime goal scorer. Dallas is on a roll, and he has been their best player so far this season. The Rangers shutdown defenseman, Vladislav Gavrikov<\/a>, can’t cover everyone, and its a good bet that he will be paying more attention to Rantanen. For the Rangers, I expect William Cuylle<\/a> to find the back of the net. He’s due for a goal, and we expect him to get back on the scoresheet in this one.<\/p>\n Main Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images<\/p>\n Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Report: The Dallas Stars Appear to Be Big Spenders This Evening<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nMatchup Overview<\/h2>\n
Keys to the game<\/h3>\n
Prediction and Prop Bets to Watch<\/h2>\n