Blackhawks Look for Continued Success Against Slumping Stars

The Dallas Stars take on the Chicago Blackhawks for the seventh time this season in the first of a two-game series to finish off the season. The Blackhawks won four of the six meetings so far this season, but the Stars won the most recent matchup 5-1.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

The game opened with the Stars as favorites at -182 and the line has moved to between -160 and -170 depending on the sportsbook. The total opened at 6 and is now at either 5.5 or 6 depending on the book.

Dallas News & Notes

The Dallas Stars’ playoff hopes have been dashed as they sit four points behind Nashville with just two games remaining. The Stars have had their fair share of struggles this season dealing with COVID-19 protocols at the beginning of the year and injuries throughout the season.

But they also have the most overtime or shootout losses in the league, leaving a lot of points on the table this season. Dallas has lost 14 times in the extra frame this year while only one other team has more than nine overtime or shootout losses.

The Stars’ underlying numbers have been great all season despite their inability to close out games. The Stars rank fifth in high danger scoring chances for percentage, seventh in scoring chances for percentage and eighth in expected goals for percentage. The defensive end is where the team really excels as the Stars have allowed the fourth-fewest goals at even strength this season.

Chicago News & Notes

The Chicago Blackhawks faded down the stretch of the season, ultimately costing themselves a playoff spot in the process. Since April 1, only four teams have fewer even strength goals than the Blackhawks and only four teams have allowed more even strength goals. The Hawks also had the seventh-fewest high danger chances at even strength in the league in that span while also allowing the fourth-most high danger chances.

The struggles at both ends of the ice are seen up and down the roster as only five players on the team have made it to double-digit goals and only five have more than 20 points through 54 games played.

The Hawks have had the Stars’ number, for the most part, this season. Even in the most recent game – a 5-1 win for Dallas – it was Chicago that had more overall chances (29-22) high danger chances (13-11) and shots (35-25), all at even strength.

Betting Pick: Stars -165