The Dallas Stars (37-21-8) visit the Nashville Predators (32-26-8) Thursday at Bridgestone Arena for an 8 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Stars-Predators odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.
Both teams played Tuesday and suffered a third consecutive loss. The Stars dropped a 2-1 overtime decision at home to the Edmonton Oilers, while the Predators fell 3-1 at the Minnesota Wild.
This is the first of consecutive games for the two Central Division rivals. They’ll face off again Saturday in Dallas, which took the first two head-to-head meetings of the season, winning 4-1 at Nashville Dec. 14, and 4-2 at home in the outdoor NHL Winter Classic Jan. 1.
Dallas is third in the Central Division, while Nashville is 2 points out of a wild-card spot.
Stars at Predators: Projected starting goalies
Ben Bishop vs. Juuse Saros
Bishop is 21-14-4 with a 2.49 goals against average (GAA), a .921 save percentage and two shutouts in 42 games (41 starts). He lost his last two games, allowing eight goals on 41 shots, but he is 1-0 vs. the Preds this season. However, he sat out Tuesday with a lower body injury. If he’s can’t go in Nashville, Anton Khudobin (16-7-4, 2.22 GAA, .929 SV%), who is 2-0-2 in his last four starts, will get the nod.
Saros is 14-12-4 with a 2.88 GAA, a .908 SV% and two shutouts in 37 games (31 starts). He also lost his last two starts, surrendering five goals on 63 shots, but he has a 2.52 GAA in his last four starts. Veteran Pekka Rinne (18-14-4, 3.17 GAA, .895 SV%) has really been struggling – he gave up eight goals on 31 shots in an 8-3 drubbing by the Oilers Monday.
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Stars at Predators: Key injuries
Stars
- C Justin Dowling (lower body) questionable
- G Ben Bishop (lower body) questionable
- D William Butcher (upper body) out
Predators
- C Ryan Johansen (illness) questionable
- D Dan Hamhuis (lower body) questionable
Stars at Predators: Odds, picks and betting tips
Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 7:45 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Predators 3, Stars 1
Moneyline (ML)
The PREDATORS (-115) are the STRONGEST PLAY. There will be more emotion than usual as the team will be playing its first game at home since deadly tornadoes hit the Nashville area earlier this week. Throw out any trends in this one – the Stars (-106) are one of the better road teams at 18-11-5 – as the vibe of community and “Nashville Strong” will be on full display.
Puck Line/Against the Spread (PL/ATS)
AVOID. Dallas (+1.5, -295) is 21-13 vs. the PL on the road, but the price is too expensive. Every $2.95 wagered on the Stars PL only profits $1 if they win outright or lose by 1 goal. Nashville (-1.5, +230) is tempting with a 2.3-to-1 payoff, but I’ll PASS. The Preds are 22-44 vs. the PL overall and 9-25 vs. the PL at home. I’ll back the ML above and be happy with a 1-goal win.
Over/Under (O/U)
Take the UNDER 5.5 (-129) to the bank. The Stars are the best Under team in the league at 24-40-2, and the Under is 6-1-2 in the last nine head-to-head meetings in Nashville. Meanwhile, the Preds are 5-11 O/U in their last 16 games, and 4-10-1 in their last 15 vs. the Western Conference.
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Johnny’s record since Dec. 1: 50-31-2. Strongest plays: 28-12.
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