Chicago Blackhawks vs. Dallas Stars Prediction, Preview, and Odds
The Chicago Blackhawks face the Dallas Stars with both teams on opposite ends of the standings this season. The Blackhawks have an 18-32-5 record and are in last place in the Central Division. The Stars have a 30-15-12 record and are in first place in the division but hope to bounce back from four losses in a row. Both teams look to improve within the division and the Western Conference and the upcoming game should be a good one as a result.
Blackhawks defense has struggled this year
The Blackhawks are having a season to forget with their offense struggling and scoring only 2.47 goals per game. Patrick Kane, Max Domi, and Taylor Raddysh have scored 43 goals and 64 assists to lead the top two lines but the rest of the offense has struggled. Only six skaters have 10 goals or more and opposing defenses can eliminate the hapless offense as a result.
The offense has let the Blackhawks down but the defense has also struggled, allowing 3.62 goals per game. Jake McCabe and Connor Murphy have combined for 5.7 defensive point shares but the rest of the unit has struggled, allowing opponents to find open shots on the net at will. The hope is that goaltender Jaxson Stauber can continue to play well as he has a .912 save percentage and a 2.77 goals-against average on 159 shots.
Stars have been led by remarkable defense
The Stars are having a great season with their offense stepping up and scoring 3.21 goals per game. Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Joe Pavelski have scored 71 goals and 100 assists to lead the top two lines but the entire offense has stepped up. Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, and Wyatt Johnston have combined for 49 goals and 57 assists while defensemen Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell have added 13 goals and 44 assists from the point to open up the offense.
The offense has been great but the defense has carried the Stars, allowing only 2.54 goals per game. Esa Lindell and Jani Hakanpaa have combined for 8.2 defensive point shares and 204 blocked shots while Miro Heiskanen and Colin Miller have combined for 7.1 defensive point shares to add depth to the unit. In addition, goaltender Jake Oettinger has been great with a .926 save percentage and a 2.20 goals-against average on 1224 shots with 25.6 goals saved above average.
Best Bets for this Game
Full-Game Side Bet
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The Stars are having a great season and I see them snapping their losing streak and controlling this game from the opening puck drop. The Stars, who average 3.21 goals per game, should pile on the goals against a Blackhawks defense that allows 3.62 goals per game, with Jason Roberton, Roope Hintz, and the rest of the forward unit establishing a strong offensive zone presence and creating open shots with great puck movement. The Stars should limit the Blackhawks' offense with Miro Heiskanen, Esa Lindell, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Jake Oettinger to make plenty of big saves. The Stars should win the game and cover the spread in a dominant win on their home ice.
Prediction: Stars -1.5 (-155)
Full-Game Total Pick
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The Stars have been carried by their defense and I see this game being a low-scoring one from the opening puck drop. The Blackhawks should limit the Stars' offense with Connor Murphy, Jake McCabe, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Jaxson Stauber to make plenty of big saves. The Stars, who allow only 2.54 goals per game, should eliminate and potentially shut out the Blackhawks, who average only 2.47 goals per game, with Miro Heiskanen, Esa Lindell, Colin Miller, and the rest of the defensive unit forcing turnovers in the neutral zone and defensive zone alike while goaltender Jake Oettinger blanks the shots on the net. The Under should cover in a low-scoring game with both defenses stepping up.
Take the Under on 6 goals.
Prediction: Under 6
Mike Fink is a sports writer and a passionate football fan. After graduating from college, Fink picked up the passion he had since being a young child in following and covering all things sports and we are very excited to have him as a part of the StatSalt team. In recent weeks, Mike started a podcast which you can find on Spotify, called "The Mike and Grover Show" and it discusses all things football. He covers all forms of sports betting and also bets on all of the plays he gives out. Mike would advise hockey betting since the odds give you great payouts "Hockey is built to bet the Money Line Underdogs. Be sure and follow him on a daily basis.
