Ducks vs. Stars Odds
Ducks Odds | +195 |
Stars Odds | -250 |
Over/Under | 6 (+100/-120) |
Time | 8:30 p.m. ET |
TV | ESPN+ |
Odds via BetMGM. Get up-to-the-minute NHL Odds here. |
The Pacific Division's seventh-place Anaheim Ducks travel to Dallas to take on the Central Division's fourth-place Stars. This is the third meeting between these two teams this season and the Ducks have covered the puck line in each of the first two matchups.
Will the Ducks keep this game close once again, or can the Stars pull away for a bigger victory on home ice?
Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks enter this game following Tuesday's 5-2 win over the San Jose Sharks. Tuesday's win was yet another cover for the Ducks as they have covered the puck line in six of their past nine games.
John Gibson is the projected starting goaltender for the Ducks and has been good against the Stars this season. Through his two starts against Dallas, Gibson has stopped 61 of 67 shots for a 0.910 save percentage.
Gibson should get some scoring help in this game as the Ducks' offense has been clicking recently. Over their last nine contests, the Ducks are averaging 3.22 goals scored per game.
I expect a spirited effort in this game from Anaheim in the last game of the season. While Dallas obviously has more to play for, I do not expect Anaheim to just roll over.
Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars enter this contest following Wednesday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Arizona Coyotes. Wednesday's game was yet another failed cover for the Stars as they are 0-7 against the puck line over their past seven games.
Dallas has been trending in the wrong direction as they wrap up the regular season. Both the defense and offense have struggled down the stretch. The Stars have now allowed an average of 3.83 goals per game over their past six contests.
Meanwhile, the Stars have only averaged 2.5 goals scored over those same six games. I do not expect much positive regression from the Stars as they rank a very-average 14th in the league in five-on-five expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF).
Despite a weak schedule over their past seven games, the Stars have looked awful and are just 3-4. Not a single one of those three wins has come by more than a goal.
Ducks vs. Stars Pick
I expect the public to be all over Dallas as they are playing for much more than Anaheim, however, they just have not done anything over the past month to warrant such a large price. While Anaheim has not been very good, I think they can at least keep this game close.
Anaheim has covered the puck line in each of the first two matchups against Dallas this season and I think they can close out the year with one more cover.
Pick: Anaheim Ducks +1.5 (-125) | Play up to (-135)