Welcome to the latest edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, our team here at Last Word on Hockey breaks down head-to-head matchups and other key elements that may influence the outcome of each game. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. This NHL Predictions article dives into the matchup between the Dallas Stars and the Chicago Blackhawks in Chicago on Wednesday evening.
NHL Predictions
Dallas Stars vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Stars 2-0 Blackhawks
Time: 8:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Victory+, ESPN+; Sportsnet; Chicago Sports Network
Central Division rivals meet for the third time in 32 days on Wednesday night, as the Stars visit the Blackhawks at the United Center. The game is the last one for each team before American Thanksgiving, which has traditionally been a great indicator of teams’ playoff chances.
It will be the first meeting the teams have had in Chicago this season, with Dallas winning each of the previous two games by two goals on home ice. The game is also the third and final game of a Dallas road trip.
In both previous meetings, the Stars got on the board early and often with multi-goal leads but let Chicago back in the game. On Oct. 26, Dallas led by three goals in the third period, but needed an empty-netter to escape with a 4-2 win. In Dallas’ first game back from the NHL Global Series in Finland on Nov. 7, they led 2-0 through the first 50 minutes of game time, but Tyler Bertuzzi‘s late goal made things interesting. Logan Stankoven came up with another empty-net goal to give Dallas another win.
It seems that no lead has been safe for Dallas this season. The Stars even blew a 3-1 third-period lead by allowing five goals in the last period against the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday. Can home ice become an equalizer for Chicago?
Dallas Stars Story
The Stars (13-7-0) enter this game in third place in the Central Division, just behind the Minnesota Wild and ahead of the Colorado Avalanche. Dallas’ second forward line combination of Tyler Seguin, Mason Marchment, and Matt Duchene has been the driving force offensively, accounting for 63 points.
Dallas’ first line has emerged in recent games after early season struggles. Wyatt Johnston has a three-game point streak since joining the top line. Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson have combined for three goals since being paired with the 21-year-old. Hintz has 26 points in 25 career games against the Blackhawks — his most against any opponent.
The Stars are 4-1 against the Central Division this season and have won eight of their last 10 games in Chicago. Last season, Dallas was one of the league’s best road teams. It has not been smooth sailing on the road this season, but the Stars have won three of their last four away games. Dallas also holds an 11-2-0 record against the Blackhawks since the 2021-22 season and has the most goals against Chicago of any team in the league during that span.
Chicago Blackhawks Story
Meanwhile, Chicago (7-12-2) is struggling as the last-place team in the Central Division and the Western Conference. The Blackhawks have just four wins in November, although they have beaten some good teams like the Florida Panthers and Minnesota.
One of the great mysteries for the Blackhawks has been the surprising struggle of second-year phenom Connor Bedard. While the forward leads the team with 15 points, he has only scored three goals and his last one came on Oct. 26, coincidentally against the Stars. Bedard has a point in each game against Dallas this season, so maybe Wednesday’s game can get him going on the score sheet.
Chicago is not a very potent offensive team, and Seth Jones, its best defenceman, was just placed on injured reserve. He is expected to miss about four weeks, putting Chicago in an even more difficult situation against a high-powered Dallas lineup with other top teams lurking on the schedule.
NHL Prediction
Chicago’s overall record is bad, but the Blackhawks have still been a tough out. This is especially true against the league’s top teams. While falling behind in their first two meetings with Dallas, the Blackhawks have been able to make things close late in the game. We think playing this game in Chicago helps, but the Stars have started to roll on offence and will still be just a little too much for Chicago to handle.
Prediction: Stars win 4-3.
Prop Bets of the Night
As mentioned above, Bedard plays well against Dallas and gets results. He is overdue to score a goal, and Bet365 lists him at +210 to do so. Dallas defenceman Thomas Harley has started to get in on the offensive attack a little more recently and is listed at +140 to come up with a point.
Main photo by: Seeger Gray-Imagn Images
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