Dallas Stars vs. Ottawa Senators Prediction, Preview, and Odds

In a thrilling NHL matchup, the Dallas Stars head to Canadian Tire Centre to face off against the Ottawa Senators. The Stars, leading the Central Division with a commanding 34-15-8 record, aim to extend their dominance. Meanwhile, the Senators, situated at the bottom of the Atlantic Division with a 23-27-3 record, are eager to prove their mettle. As the puck drops at 7:00 PM ET on February 22nd, all eyes will be on TSN5, BSMW, and RDS2, where this clash will unfold, promising a night of high-stakes hockey action.

Stars Shine Bright in the North

The Dallas Stars have proven themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the NHL, boasting a stellar record of 34-15-8, placing them atop the Central Division. Their recent journey includes a mix of closely contested battles and decisive victories, a testament to their resilience and strategic prowess on the ice. Despite a tough road loss against the Rangers (3-1) and a heart-wrenching shootout defeat on the road to Boston (4-3), the Stars have shown they can bounce back, as evidenced by their overpowering 9-2 triumph over Nashville. Injuries have hit the Stars' lineup, with key defensemen like Jani Hakanpaa and Nils Lundkvist sidelined, adding a layer of challenge to their defensive strategies.

The offensive firepower of the Stars is led by dynamo Jason Robertson, who has amassed an impressive 56 points, lighting up the scoreboard with his goal-scoring and playmaking abilities. Alongside him, the veteran presence of Joe Pavelski and the scoring touch of Roope Hintz have been pivotal in Dallas's offensive schemes, underpinning their 3.68 goals per game average. The power play has been a notable strength, converting at a 23.0% rate, showcasing their efficiency in capitalizing on opportunities. However, goaltending duo Jake Oettinger and Scott Wedgewood have had to be sharp between the pipes, with save percentages of .904 and .898 respectively, facing an onslaught of shots and maintaining the Stars' competitive edge.

Defensively, the Stars have managed to keep opponents at bay, albeit facing challenges with a goals-against average of 3.02. The team's penalty kill has been solid, neutralizing 82.4% of power plays faced, a testament to their disciplined defensive play and strategic penalty killing. As the Stars prepare to face the Senators, their blend of offensive creativity, goaltending reliability, and strategic defensive plays, even in the face of key injuries, positions them as formidable contenders, ready to assert their dominance and shine bright in the competitive NHL landscape.

Senators' Stand for Redemption

The Ottawa Senators find themselves in a period of reflection and resurgence, with a record of 23-27-3 placing them at the bottom of the Atlantic Division. The season's narrative has been one of ups and downs, with recent games highlighting their tenacity and ability to surprise opponents. A notable road victory against Tampa Bay (4-2) showcased their potential to compete against top-tier teams, while a narrow overtime road loss to Florida (3-2) emphasized their grit and determination to fight until the final buzzer. The Senators have remained injury-free, a rare boon in the grueling NHL season, allowing them to field a consistent lineup and build chemistry among players.

Offensively, the Senators are spearheaded by the young and talented Tim Stutzle, who has notched 52 points, becoming a cornerstone for Ottawa's attack. His synergy with veterans like Brady Tkachuk and the newly acquired sharpshooter Vladimir Tarasenko has injected energy and skill into the Senators' offense, contributing to their 3.34 goals per game. Despite struggles with the power play, converting only 15.9% of the time, the Senators have found ways to create scoring chances, bolstered by their willingness to shoot, averaging 32.7 shots on goal.

— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) February 21, 2024

The defensive end, however, has been a challenge for the Senators, with a goals-against average of 3.57 reflecting the difficulties in stifling opposing offenses. Goaltenders Anton Forsberg and Joonas Korpisalo have faced a barrage of shots, with save percentages of .893 and .887 respectively, often keeping the Senators in games through sheer will and skill. The penalty kill, struggling at a 74.7% success rate, remains an area for improvement as the Senators aim to fortify their defensive play. As Ottawa gears up to take on the high-flying Stars, their focus on harnessing their offensive capabilities, coupled with a concerted effort to tighten their defense and improve special teams play, underscores their ambition to defy expectations and carve out a path toward redemption in the league.

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Best Bets

Full-Game Side Bet

Rating:

The Dallas Stars, with their impressive 34-15-8 record and dominance in the Central Division, are the solid pick to emerge victorious in this matchup. Their offensive firepower, spearheaded by Jason Robertson with 56 points, including goals and assists, showcases a team that knows how to find the back of the net, averaging 3.68 goals per game. The Stars' power play efficiency, converting at a 23.0% rate, further underscores their ability to capitalize on opportunities. Despite facing injuries to key players like Hakanpaa and Lundkvist, Dallas has demonstrated depth and resilience. Goaltending remains a stronghold for the Stars, with Jake Oettinger and Scott Wedgewood combining for a robust defense, highlighted by Oettinger's .904 save percentage. This blend of offensive prowess, strategic special teams play, and goaltending reliability makes the Stars a confident pick against the Senators, ready to solidify their standing and continue their pursuit of excellence in the NHL.

Prediction: Dallas Stars -150

Full-Game Total Pick

Rating:

Given the offensive capabilities of the Dallas Stars and the Ottawa Senators, the game is poised to exceed the total. Dallas, with their 3.68 goals per game, and Ottawa, not far behind with an average of 3.34, both teams bring to the ice a potent offensive threat that can light up the scoreboard. The Stars' power play efficiency at 23.0%, combined with the Senators' 15.9%, although lower, still presents a threat in man-advantage situations. Additionally, both teams have shown a tendency to engage in high-scoring affairs, with recent games involving either team frequently surpassing the total. Considering Dallas's and Ottawa's offensive firepower, their recent form, and the defensive challenges Ottawa has faced with a 3.57 goals against average, expecting a game where the total goes over is a well-founded prediction, backed by both teams' tendencies and statistical outputs.

Prediction: OVER 6.5

From an early age, Justin knew he would be involved with sports in some way shape, or form. Justin played baseball in high school as well as basketball. He also coached basketball during summer vacations for local recreational organizations throughout high school. In college, he began writing for the school newspaper, both news articles as well as sports but soon discovered sports was his vocation. For the last seven years, he has written sports editorials for both hard copy newspapers as well as online sites and has now joined our team here at StatSalt. He has a deep passion for breaking down the games and also being on them. Be sure and follow along with Justin on a daily basis as he will point you in the right way.