Boston Bruins at Dallas Stars odds, picks and predictions
The Boston Bruins (9-1-1) wrap up a 2-game road trip against the Dallas Stars (7-2-1) Monday at American Airlines Center in Dallas. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook's lines around the Bruins vs. Starsodds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Bruins suffered their 1st regulation loss of the season Saturday in Detroit, falling 5-4 as a moderate favorite (-137) while the Over (5.5) cashed against the Red Wings. The B's look to get back into the win column against a Stars team that Boston swept last season, outscoring Dallas 6-3 in 2 meetings.
The Stars look to avenge a 3-2 OT loss on home ice on Feb. 14 last season. Dallas is also looking to get back on track after a 2-0 loss at Vancouver to close out a 3-game road trip Saturday. That halted a 3-game win streak overall, while also cashing the Under (6) for the first time in 4 outings.
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Bruins at Stars odds
FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:26 a.m. ET.
Bruins at Stars projected goalies
Jeremy Swayman (5-0-0, 1.38 GAA, .954 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Jake Oettinger (5-1-1, 1.97 GAA, .938 SV%)
Swayman turned aside 33 of the 35 shots he faced last time out on Thursday in a 3-2 shootout win against the Toronto Maple Leafs. His most recent road start was Oct. 24 against the Chicago Blackhawks, a 3-0 shutout victory which saw the Alaskan kick aside all 23 shots he faced.
Oettinger saved 26 of the 28 shots he faced Saturday in Vancouver, but he received no offensive support. He has allowed 3 or fewer goals in all 7 of his starts to date, but the offense has offered him just 20 goals of support, or 2.8 goals per game (GPG).
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Bruins at Stars picks and predictions
Prediction
Stars 3, Bruins 2
The STARS (-137) have picked up victories in 7 of the past 8 games against Eastern Conference teams, while going 13-5 in the past 18 outings on home ice.
The Bruins (+114) are red-hot across the board, and Swayman has been a tough customer in the crease. However, I like Oettinger and the Stars on home ice in a very close game.
The Bruins +1.5 (-220) will cost you more than 2 times your potential return, if you can't pick Boston straight up and you would prefer a little insurance instead. That's just too much risk for not enough reward.
AVOID, and if you like Boston, just play it straight up.
UNDER 5.5 (-106) is the lean, although play it rather lightly.
The Under is 8-3 in the past 11 games overall, while going 5-2 in the past 7 tries against Western Conference foes. The Under is 18-7-1 in the past 26 tries for the B's against teams with a winning overall record, too.
The Under dominates for the Stars, too, going 19-6-1 in the past 26 against Eastern Conference teams. The Under is also 9-2 in the past 11 meetings in this series, while cashing in 4 of the past 5 skates in Dallas.
