As the puck drops at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA, the Dallas Stars (3-0-1, 2nd in Central Division) clash with the Pittsburgh Penguins (2-3, 7th in Metropolitan Division). The Stars are riding a wave of momentum, while the Penguins are looking to find their stride. A marquee matchup that’s a must-see for all NHL fans.

Dallas Stars: Lone Star Brilliance

The Dallas Stars are not just winning; they’re winning in a way that catches the eye. With a 3-0-1 record, they’ve staked a strong early claim for being one of the teams to watch this NHL season. Their most recent game was a roller-coaster 5-4 win over the Philadelphia Flyers in overtime. The game was evidence of how Dallas never gives up; the Stars gave up three short-handed goals but still managed to pull off the win, largely due to Joe Pavelski’s game-winning goal in overtime. Pavelski  showcased his skill and leadership, converting a decisive score 2:12 into the extra period to hand Dallas its seventh consecutive win over Philadelphia.

In goal, Jake Oettinger has been nearly unbeatable. With a goals-against average of 1.58 and a save percentage of .943, Oettinger has been a cornerstone of the team’s early success. Dallas has allowed just nine goals thus far, the third-lowest in the league. This strong defensive showing gives the team the confidence to play their natural game, knowing that any errors are likely to be cleaned up by their formidable blue line and goalie. The Stars have also excelled in penalty killing, topping the league with a 100% success rate.

On the flip side, the Stars’ offense has room for improvement. Currently ranked 26th in goals scored, Dallas has netted 11 goals in four games. The scoring has been fairly distributed, with Joe Pavelski leading the pack with 5 points (3G, 2A). The power play unit is converting at a 14.3% rate, which is decent but leaves room for improvement. The team’s relatively low power-play percentage and goals-for stats could be deceptive; the Stars have played one fewer game than many teams and still boast an undefeated record in regulation time. In summary, Dallas seems to have all the elements to not just win games but also to dominate them as they refine their play during the season.

Dallas Stars Team Facts

• The Stars have lost each of their last four games as favorites following a home win.
• The underdogs have covered the puck line in each of the Stars’ last 12 games.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Stars’ last 10 games following a win.
• The Stars have won the second period in three of their last four games at PPG Paints Arena following a win.

Pittsburgh Penguins: Waddling Through Rough Waters

The Pittsburgh Penguins are off to a rocky start this season, posting a 2-3 record and sitting in the 7th position in the Metropolitan Division. Their most recent outing was a 4-2 defeat at the hands of the St. Louis Blues, a game that further highlighted their struggles. They had goals from Evgeni Malkin and Radim Zohorna but couldn’t capitalize on these to secure a win. Tristan Jarry, the man between the pipes, didn’t have the best of nights, allowing four goals on 21 shots, and putting his goals-against average at 2.81 and his save percentage at .892 for the season.

While Malkin has been the bright spot for the Penguins, leading the team in both goals and assists with 8 points (4G, 4A), others need to step up. Jake Guentzel has been assisting well but needs to find the net more often. The special teams have been middling at best, with a power play percentage of 15.4% and a penalty kill rate of 80%. In a league where special teams often make the difference, these numbers don’t bode well for the Penguins.

One of the concerning trends for Pittsburgh is their performance in the third period. In their five games so far, the Penguins have been outscored 8-5 in the final frame. The team has been struggling with turnovers, often leading to opportunities for the opposition. These are areas that need immediate attention if Pittsburgh aims to climb up the standings. With a roster that has depth, experience and at least one future Hall of Famer, the Penguins have the tools to turn things around, but will need to address these issues sooner rather than later.

Pittsburgh Penguins Team Facts

• The underdogs have won six of the Penguins’ last seven games.
• The Penguins have covered the puck line in each of their last eight games as home underdogs against opponents on a winning streak.
• The Penguins have lost the second period in each of their last five games as home underdogs.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Penguins’ last 11 games as home underdogs against opponents on a winning streak.

David’s Pick – Dallas Stars (-135)

The Stars are on a roll, and their defense has been impregnable, especially with Jake Oettinger in the net. The Penguins, although a storied franchise, are having a rocky start to the season. Their goalie situation is less than ideal, and they haven’t been dominant on either end of the ice. Dallas, with their top-tier penalty kill and offensive firepower led by Pavelski, seems poised to capitalize on the Penguins’ vulnerabilities. I expect the Stars to maintain their momentum and skate away with a win.