Winter Classic: Nashville Predators at Dallas Stars odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Winter Classic between the Nashville Predators at Dallas Stars sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Nashville Predators (18-14-6) and Dallas Stars (22-14-4) drop the puck at the Cotton Bowl in the annual Winter Classic at 2 p.m. ET Wednesday.

It seems weird for hockey, but it is outdoors, so we take a look at the weather forecast. The forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies, little chance of precipitation and temperatures in the mid-50’s.

We analyze the Predators-Stars sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Predators at Stars: Projected starting goalies

Pekka Rinne vs. Ben Bishop

Rinne puts his 13-7-3 record on the line, and he has a 3.02 goals-against average and .894 save percentage. He lost his only previous start on home ice against the Stars back on Dec. 14, coughing up four goals on 22 shots.

Bishop has been outstanding with a 2.34 GAA and .926 save percentage. While the results of his hard work don’t exactly show in his win-loss record at 13-9-3, it’s mostly a lack of offensive support which has led to his mediocre ledger. He hasn’t faced the Preds this season, as Anton Khudobin took that start in the second end of a back-to-back Dec. 14.


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Predators at Stars: 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 8:05 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Stars 3, Predators 2

Moneyline (ML)

The STARS (-143) are a better play because they have the better netminder in the crease. This will be a lower-scoring game, and that’s when Bishop is at his best. Taking Dallas is going a bit against the grain, as the home team is just 3-8 SU in the previous 11 Winter Classic battles.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Don’t even think about the puck line. The Stars (-1.5, +190) are an intriguing play, but six of the 11 previous Winter Classics have resulted in one-goal games.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-134) is the play here. While ice technology has improved amazingly over the past couple of decades, as no one would ever have imagined an outdoor game in Texas … even in Winter. The ice will likely still be sticky, but the fact there is no snowfall or precipitation in the forecast will likely mean the ice is better than we have seen in previous games in Buffalo, Pittsburgh, etc. … Still, with two outstanding netminders, the goals will be at a premium. Eight of the previous 11 Winter Classics have seen a total of 5 or fewer goals.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Ricky Williams will drop the ceremonial puck at the NHL Winter Classic

Before the Winter Classic, the NHL announced that former Texas running back Ricky Williams would be dropping the ceremonial puck.

For the first time in the state of Texas, the NHL Winter Classic will take place. Playing on New Year’s Day, the Dallas Stars will be hosting the Nashville Predators. The Stars usually play their home games at the American Airlines Center but will be playing outside for the Winter Classic.

The venue will be the Cotton Bowl in Fair Park, the same place where Texas faces off against Oklahoma in the annual Red River Shootout. Before the game, the National Hockey League announced that former Texas running back Ricky Williams would be dropping the ceremonial puck.

Williams played five career games at the Cotton Bowl, having a career 3-1-1 record in those games. Four of them came against Oklahoma, but the other was in the 1999 Cotton Bowl when the Longhorns played Mississippi State. He ran for 203 yards and two touchdowns on 30 attempts to secure a bowl win for Texas. Against Oklahoma, he ran for 465 yards and five touchdowns in four games.

While the stadium is nicknamed “The House that Doak Built”, Williams has put up some great performances in the Cotton Bowl. Dropping the puck before the game on New Year’s Day, Williams will help the hockey world learn about the history of the Cotton Bowl.

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Edmonton Oilers at Dallas Stars odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Edmonton Oilers at Dallas Stars sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Edmonton Oilers (18-13-4) visit the Dallas Stars (19-11-4) Monday at American Airlines Center. Puck drop is scheduled for shortly after 8:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Oilers-Stars sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Oilers at Stars: Projected starting goalies

Mike Smith vs. Ben Bishop

Smith is 7-8-2 on the year with a .896 save percentage and a 3.08 goals against average. He was roughed up by the Minnesota Wild his last time out, allowing six goals on 26 shots faced. He hasn’t been credited with a victory since Nov. 23.

Bishop had won three straight games before an overtime loss to the Vegas Golden Knights Friday. He is 12-6-3 with a 2.07 GAA and .933 SV%. He has been even better on home ice with a .944 SV% through 15 games.


Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.


Oilers at Stars: 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 9:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Oilers 3, Stars 2

Moneyline (ML)

The OILERS (+155) have lost four straight games; two of those were by just one goal with one game going to overtime. They’re the play at plus-money against a Stars team coming off a 4-1 win over the Nashville Predators Saturday. Edmonton is 10-7-1 on the road while Dallas is 12-4-2 at home.

The Stars won the season’s first head-to-head meeting 5-4 in overtime in Edmonton Nov. 16. Monday’s line doesn’t reflect the close score. Take the value with the Oilers on an inflated number.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet for the Oilers to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns a profit of $15.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Hedge against the OILERS’ (+1.5, -182) outright victory by also backing the visitors to lose by a single goal or win straight up on the puck line. Edmonton is just 16-19 against the spread overall, but it’s 12-6 ATS on the road. Dallas is 19-15 ATS overall but just 9-9 at home.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the UNDER 5.5 (-133). Bishop is at the top of his game and Smith will have some extra motivation against one of his former teams. The Stars are 2-6-2 against the Over/Under across their last 10 games. The Oilers went 5-5 against the projected totals over their last 10.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 127-100

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Vegas Golden Knights at Dallas Stars odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Vegas Golden Knights at Dallas Stars sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Dallas Stars (18-11-3) host the Vegas Golden Knights (16-13-5) Friday at American Airlines Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Golden Knights-Stars sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Golden Knights at Stars: Projected starting goalies

Malcolm Subban vs. Ben Bishop

Subban picked up his first win of the season Nov. 27 and rung up four in a row before taking overtime and regulation losses in each of his last two outings. He is coming off a home start against the New York Rangers Sunday in which he allowed five goals on just 25 shots.

Bishop has won three straight games with a total of three goals allowed on 99 shots faced. His .934 save percentage matches his league-best number from last season and he has a 2.03 goals against average.


Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.


Golden Knights at Stars: 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 9:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Golden Knights 3, Stars 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Stars (-139) have won three straight and are 12-4-1 at home for the year. The recent, and surprise, firing of head coach Jim Montgomery is sure to take a toll against a quality opponent after they were able to beat the lowly New Jersey Devils 2-0 Tuesday in their first game without him behind the bench. The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (+115) are getting plus-money on the road where they’re 8-7-2 straight up.

The Knights took a 4-2 loss on the road against the St. Louis Blues Thursday and play for the third time in four nights, while the Stars have had three days off. Vegas started strong Thursday with a two-goal first period, and a similar start against a shakier opponent would present a safer lead.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Golden Knights to win outright returns a profit of $11.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The safe play is backing the GOLDEN KNIGHTS (+1.5, -250) to stay within 1 goal in a loss, or to win outright. Vegas has the edge in total shot attempts (Corsi) at 5-on-5, but has suffered from a woeful 6.92 team shooting percentage at full strength which ranks 28th in the NHL. The Knights are too talented up front to stay so unlucky.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the UNDER 5.5 (-129). Subban was enjoying his best stretch of the season before his most recent start, and Bishop is locked in for the Stars. Look for the Stars to play a simpler style in the early going under interim coach Rick Bowness.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 118-97

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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New York Islanders at Dallas Stars odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing Saturday’s New York Islanders at Dallas Stars NHL matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Dallas Stars (16-11-3) entertain the New York Islanders (19-6-2) at American Airlines Arena Saturday at 9 p.m. ET. We analyze the Islanders-Stars odds and lines while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Islanders at Stars: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov vs. Ben Bishop

Varlamov has a 9-3-2 record for New York with a 2.35 goals against average and .923 save percentage. The projected Islanders starter stopped 31 of 33 shots in a home, overtime win versus the Vegas Golden Knights Thursday night.

Bishop has a 10-6-2 record. He has a 2.19 goals against average and .929 save percentage in 20 games played. The expected Dallas starter stopped 36 of 38 shots in a 3-2 overtime win against the Winnipeg Jets Thursday.


Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.


Islanders at Stars: 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 10:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Stars 3, Islanders 2

Moneyline (ML)

The STARS (-150) and Islanders (+125) are both rested headed into this matchup. New York is 3-2 in their last five games and Dallas is 1-3-1 in that span. Expect this game to be close and low-scoring. New York allows just 2.58 goals on the road and Dallas yields two goals a game (10-4-1 at home). BACK DALLAS slightly.

A $10 bet with Dallas results in a $6.67 profit with an outright win for the Stars.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Stars are 16-14 ATS, while New York is 14-14 vs. the spread. This is one to AVOID, as the Islanders number at +1.5 (-239) has too much tax. That payout on a $10 bet would be just $4.18 for the Islanders to lose by one goal or win outright.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-150) is fine and conservative play. There were rumblings that the over/under could go to five here, but the line hasn’t moved as of yet. That is fortunate as most projections suggested a 3-2 outcome. Consider that the Islanders give up just 2.41 goals per game (3rd) and the Stars 2.43 goals per game (4th), I side with the UNDER Saturday night.

Placing a $10 bet here will give a bettor a $6.67 profit with a total of six or fewer goals scored.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @ChrisWasselDFS and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Dallas Stars at Chicago Blackhawks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Dallas Stars at Chicago Blackhawks sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Dallas Stars (15-8-2) visit the Chicago Blackhawks (9-9-5) Tuesday at United Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Stars-Blackhawks sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Stars at Blackhawks: Projected starting goalies

Anton Khudobin vs. Corey Crawford

Khudobin will make his ninth start of the season after starter Ben Bishop got the call for Monday’s win over the Vegas Golden Knights. Khudobin has a .929 save percentage and a 2.15 goals against average. He stopped 38 of 39 shots faced against the Blackhawks Saturday in his most recent start.

Crawford hasn’t played since last Thursday. He is 4-5-2 through 11 starts with a .914 SV% and a 3.02 GAA. He gave up three goals on 34 shots against the Tampa Bay Lightning his last time out.


Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.


Stars at Blackhawks: 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 8:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Blackhawks 3, Stars 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Stars (-115) extended their winning streak to seven games with Monday’s 4-2 victory over the Golden Knights. The BLACKHAWKS (-105) have lost three straight, including Saturday’s 2-1 shootout loss to the Stars, but they’re 6-5-2 at home for the year and are the value play Tuesday as slight home underdogs.

The Blackhawks are being outshot by a league-worst 6.3 shots on goal per game and they’re third-last by scoring chance percentage at 45.70, but they’re riding a third-ranked 1.025 PDO (shooting percentage plus save percentage). They’re worth a small wager against a tired opponent.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Blackhawks to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns a profit of $9.52.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Stick with the moneyline rather than laying the -303 for Chicago to cover a spread of +1.5. The same $10 bet would return a profit of $3.30 if the Hawks were to lose by a goal or win outright.

I like their chances to come away with the upset while catching the Stars on the second half of a back-to-back. The Stars are 16-9 against the spread overall and 9-3 on the road, while the Blackhawks are 13-10 ATS overall but 6-7 at home.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the UNDER 5.5 (+100). The Stars come into Tuesday after scoring four goals Monday, but Saturday’s head-to-head meeting saw a total of three goals, including the shootout winner. Dallas is 5-5 against the Over/Under across its last 10 games and Chicago is 4-6.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 80-70

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Vegas Golden Knights at Dallas Stars odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Vegas Golden Knights at Dallas Stars sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Vegas Golden Knights (11-10-4) visit the Dallas Stars (14-8-2) 8:30 p.m. ET Monday at American Airlines Center. We analyze the Golden Knights-Stars sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Golden Knights at Stars: Projected starting goalies

Marc-Andre Fleury vs. Ben Bishop

Fleury shares the league lead with 11 wins and 20 games played. He’s 11-6-2 on the year with a .919 save percentage and 2.54 goals against average. He gave up four goals on 31 shots faced and took the loss in his last start against the Edmonton Oilers.

Bishop has picked up five consecutive wins to improve to 8-5-1 through 16 starts. He has a .926 SV% and 2.25 GAA as a major reason for the Stars’ turnaround.


Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.


Golden Knights at Stars: 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 9 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Stars 3, Golden Knights 1

Moneyline (ML)

The STARS (-133) have won six straight games and have surged into second place in the Central Division. They most recently beat the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1 in a shootout Saturday and wrap up a four-game homestand with an 8-3-1 record at American Airlines Center. The Golden Knights (+110) have lost two in a row and are 5-5-1 on the road for the season.

Dallas has improved its goal differential to plus-11 for the year while Vegas is plus-two. The Golden Knights outshoot their opponents by an average of 2.2 shots per game. The Stars have outshot their opponents by 0.4 shots per game. Side with the home team, as the Stars are backed by the red-hot Bishop as they try for a seventh straight victory.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Stars to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns a profit of $7.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Vegas enters Monday just 9-16 against the spread overall and 4-7 on the road. The STARS (-1.5, +200) are 15-9 ATS overall but just 6-6 at home. Six of Dallas’ last eight victories were each by margins of at least two goals. The Golden Knights lost by at least two goals in three of their six most recent defeats.

Roll the dice for a Stars victory by two or more goals as they lean on their goaltender.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the UNDER 5.5 (-115). While both offenses are stacked, the goaltending has been the real story for Dallas of late and Fleury is often able to play up to his competition. Vegas is just 3-7 against the Over/Under across its last 10 games while Dallas went 4-6 against the projected totals over the same span.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 74-67

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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