Nashville Predators vs Dallas Stars Prediction 10-10-24 NHL Picks
Dallas Stars (0-0) vs. Nashville Predators (0-0)
October 10, 2024 8:00 pm EDT
The Line: Nashville Predators -120 / Dallas Stars +100; Over/Under: +6
(Get latest betting odds)
The Dallas Stars and the Nashville Predators meet Thursday night in NHL action from the Bridgestone Arena. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Nashville Predators vs Dallas Stars Prediction.
Dallas Stars Team Preview
The Dallas Stars come into the 2024-25 season looking to finally get over the hump, winning their first division title since 2015-16 with a 52-21-9 record. The Stars couldn’t break through to the cup final though, losing in the conference finals for the second straight year, this time at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers in 6 games. The Stars kept their top line mostly intact, with Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz back although Joe Pavelski called it a career. That being said, the Stars still bring back 7 different 20-goal scorers from last year, including leading scorer Wyatt Johnston who led the Stars in goals and points.
Defensively, the Stars are somewhat top-heavy after the top-line of Miro Heiskanen, Thomas Harley, and Esa Lindell, but Matt Dumba, Ilya Lyubushkin, and Brendan Smith were brought in to add depth. Jake Oettinger retains his spot in the crease for the Stars and likely sees the bulk of the action while Casey DeSmith will serve as Oettinger’s backup this season. The Stars will take on the Islanders after this game.
Why the Dallas Stars will win
- The Stars have won each of their last four games at Bridgestone Arena.
- The Predators have lost each of their last four home games against Western Conference opponents.
- The road team has covered the puck line in each of the Predators’ last five games.
- The Predators have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last three home games against Western Conference opponents.
Nashville Predators Team Preview
The Nashville Predators come into the 2024-25 season hoping to maintain the status quo after finishing 47-30-5 and 4th in the Central division, but it was enough for Nashville to make the playoffs for the 9th time in the last 10 seasons. The stay for the Preds was short-lived as they were bounced in the first round by the Vancouver Canucks. The Predators made the biggest splash in the league in free agency, signing a pair of Stanley Cup winners in Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault to go along with returning star pieces like Ryan O’Reilly, Filip Forsberg, and Gustav Nyquist, with the final three making up the top line for Nashville that accounted for almost 100 goals last season.
Defensively, Roman Josi is back as the team’s captain, coming off a 2nd 20-goal season in the last three years, and Brady Skjei was brought in during free agency to fit alongside Josi. Alex Carrier, Luke Schenn, and Jeremy Lauzon are also back in Nashville’s defensive group. Juuse Saros signed an 8-year contract extension to be the franchise goaltender in the Music City. The Predators will play against the Red Wings following this one.
Why the Nashville Predators will win
- The underdogs have won each of the Predators’ last five games.
- The Stars have lost three of their last four games as favorites.
- The Predators have covered the puck line in nine of their last 10 games as home underdogs against Central Division opponents.
- The Stars have failed to cover the puck line in five of their last six games as favorites against Central Division opponents.
Nashville Predators vs Dallas Stars Prediction
I’m on the Stars here. The Stars historically have had the Predators’ number and have found quite a bit of success in this matchup. The Preds added some of the most in the offseason, bringing in proven scoring options like Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, while fortifying depth in goal by bringing in Scott Wedgewood to back up Juuse Saros. The thing about Nashville here, though, is it’s going to take time for those new pieces to mesh, and I think that Dallas, who were one of the NHL’s most consistent teams home and away last season, can get it done here to start the year right. Give me Dallas.