The Dallas Stars (28-20-2) travel to meet the Nashville Predators (29-18-4) at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville Thursday. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we look at the Stars vs. Predators odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.
The Stars picked up a 3-2 comeback victory against the Winnipeg Jets in overtime Wednesday. Dallas has picked up three wins in the past four games overall, and the Under has cashed in each of the past five outings.
The Predators scored an impressive 6-4 road win at Florida Tuesday, and they head into this one with plenty of rest. The victory also snapped a four-game losing skid, which includes the most recent meeting in Dallas. The Preds lost that previous meeting, 4-3, as the Over cashed.
Stars at Predators odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:45 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Stars +122 (bet $100 to win $122) | Predators -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Stars +1.5 (-210) | Predators -1.5 (+160)
- Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Stars at Predators projected goalies
Braden Holtby (9-10-1, 2.78 GAA, .912 SV%) vs. Juuse Saros (24-15-3, 2.49 GAA, .923 SV%, 2 SO)
Holtby last appeared Tuesday against the visiting Colorado Avalanche, allowing three goals on 29 shots in the 4-0 loss. In his past two appearances the Stars have provided zero goals of offensive support.
Saros has struggled mightily in the month of February, losing all four of his starts since emerging from the All-Star break. Saros is 1-4-0 with 3.49 GAA and .892 SV% in five starts in February, including a loss Feb. 9 in Dallas.
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Stars at Predators odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Predators 3, Stars 1
Money line
The PREDATORS (-150) are worth playing in Thursday’s battle in the Music City. The Stars (+122) are facing a quick turnaround after going into overtime Wednesday, and they’re likely to have some heavy legs in front of their backup goaltender. That’s never a good combination.
Against the spread
The PREDATORS -1.5 (+160) are worth a small-unit play. First off, again, the Stars +1.5 (-210) are facing a quick turnaround. Second, while Nashville hasn’t played very well lately, it is coming off a confidence-building win in Florida against one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference. And the Stars haven’t provided Holtby with a lot of offensive support lately. It’s a perfect recipe for a win by at least two goals for the home side.
Over/Under
The UNDER 5.5 (-110) has hit in five straight for the Stars, as Dallas is averaging just 1.8 goals per game across the span. It has allowed a total of six goals in the past four outings, too. Look for another defensive battle in the Music City playing on no rest.
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