In this article we will formulate a Stars vs Blackhawks prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, December 27th at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Dallas Stars Betting Preview
The Dallas Stars are 25-7-6 this season after they lost to Detroit in overtime by a score of 4-3 in their last game. Dallas led 2-1 and 3-2 in the third period, but they allowed the tying goal with about four minutes left and lost early in overtime. The Stars were out shot by a total of 25-22, won 48.2% of the face-offs, and went 2-5 on the power play in the game. Dallas got goals from Benn, Hintz, and Johnston, while DeSmith stopped 21 out of 25 shots, which was an .840 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Dallas defeated the Maple Leafs by a score of 5-1 and the Ducks by a score of 8-3. The Stars have won four of their last five games and they are currently second in the Central standings with 56 points. Dallas has scored 3.50 goals per game and they have allowed 2.61 goals against per game, while also going 31.6% on the power play and 82.6% on the penalty kill this season. Mikko Rantanen has led Dallas with 14 goals and 37 assists, while Jason Robertson has added 23 goals and 22 assists. The projected starting goalie for Dallas is Jake Oettinger, who is 16-6-2 with a 2.50 goals against average and a .910 save percentage this season.
Chicago Blackhawks Betting Preview
The Chicago Blackhawks are 13-17-6 this year after they lost to Philadelphia by a score of 3-1 in their last game. Chicago cut the deficit to 2-1 in the second period, but they allowed an empty net goal to seal the loss. The Blackhawks were out shot by a total of 26-21, won 62.7% of the face-offs, and went 0-4 on the power play in the game. Chicago got their lone goal from Donato, while Knight stopped 23 out of 25 shots, which was a .920 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Chicago lost to the Senators by a score of 6-4 and the Canadiens by a score of 4-1. The Blackhawks have lost six games in a row and they are currently last in the Central standings with 32 points. Chicago has scored 2.75 goals per game and they have allowed 3.11 goals against per game, while also going 20.4% on the power play and 84.0% on the penalty kill this season. Tyler Bertuzzi has led Chicago with 16 goals and 10 assists, while Frank Nazar has added six goals and 15 assists. The projected starting goalie for Chicago is Spencer Knight, who is 10-10-5 with a 2.55 goals against average and a .914 save percentage this year.
Why the Dallas Stars will win
- The Stars have won each of their last eight home games against Central Division opponents.
- The Blackhawks have lost each of their last seven games at American Airlines Center following a home loss.
- The Blackhawks have failed to cover the puck line in five of their last six games.
- The Stars have covered the puck line in four of their last five games.
- The Blackhawks have lost the third period in each of their last six games as road underdogs.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Blackhawks’ last six night games have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Each of the Stars’ last four games against Central Division opponents have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Five of the last six games between two teams from the Central Division have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Blackhawks’ last 15 games following a home loss.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Stars’ last six games against Central Division opponents.
Dallas Stars Player Prop Facts
- Matt Duchene has scored the last goal in three of the Stars’ last four games against the Blackhawks.
- Wyatt Johnston has scored at least one goal in four of the Stars’ last five home games against Western Conference opponents.
- Mikko Rantanen has recorded at least one assist in eight of the Stars’ last nine home games.
- Wyatt Johnston ranks 1st in the league for Power Play Goals (14) this season.
Chicago Blackhawks Player Prop Facts
- Connor Bedard has recorded at least one assist in each of his last three appearances.
- Connor Bedard has scored a goal in four of the Blackhawks’ last five games against the Stars.
- Andre Burakovsky has scored 10 career goals against the Stars – equal-most against any opponent (including playoffs).
Matchup/League Facts
- The Dallas Stars rank 2nd in the league for goals per game this season (3.50).
- The Dallas Stars rank 2nd in the league in power play percentage this season (31.62%).
- The Chicago Blackhawks rank 4th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (84.00%).
- The Chicago Blackhawks rank 26th in the league for goals per game this season (2.75).
Stars vs Blackhawks Prediction
Dallas comes into this matchup looking to bounce back from a rare loss, but they will be at home here. The Stars are 12-5-1 at home this year, while the Blackhawks are 6-10-3 on the road. Chicago has lost six games in a row and they have scored two goals or fewer in four of their last five. The Blackhawks continue to be without Connor Bedard, which has really killed their momentum. I don’t think Chicago has the offense to keep this game close, so I will take Dallas to win by at least two goals here.