Tampa Bay Lightning at Dallas Stars odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Dallas Stars sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Tampa Bay Lightning (29-15-4) and Dallas Stars (27-17-4) will lock horns at American Airlines Center at 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Lightning-Stars sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Lightning at Stars: Projected starting goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy vs. Ben Bishop

The All-Star Vasilevskiy entered the All-Star break on a roll, winning his previous 10 starts. Overall, he is 24-9-2 with a 2.54 goals against average and .917 save percentage, as he has regained his Vezina Trophy winning form after a sluggish start to the season. He allowed four goals on just 20 shots in a 4-3 overtime loss in the first meeting with the Stars at Amalie Arena back on Dec. 19. After working in the All-Star Skills Competition and round-robin tournament, it wouldn’t be shocking to see backup Curtis McElhinney make the start. He is 5-6-2 with a 3.10 GAA and .902 SV% in 13 appearances.

Bishop is 16-10-3 with a 2.28 GAA and .927 SV% in 31 starts and 32 appearances overall. The former Lightning backstop hasn’t faced his old organization this season. He is 0-1-1 with a 5.39 GAA and .792 SV% in two appearances vs. the Stars since leaving for Dallas to start the 2017-18 season.


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Lightning 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 8:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Lightning 4, Stars 2

Moneyline (ML)

The LIGHTNING (-139) are moderate road favorites out of the break, with the Stars (+115) short ‘dogs at home. That’s likely because the Lightning have been on a roll lately, going 5-0 in the past five against winning teams, 4-1 in the past five against Western Conference foes and 5-1 in the past six meetings against Dallas. The Lightning are also 5-2 in their past seven trips to the Metroplex.

A $10 bet on the Lightning to win returns a profit of $7.20, while a $10 wager on the Stars results in a profit of $11.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The LIGHTNING (-1.5, +195) represent a pretty solid value, as you can double up with a two-goal win. However, keep in mind that the Stars (+1.5, -239) are the No. 1 defensive team in the NHL, allowing just 2.5 goals per game. They’re also ninth on the penalty kill at 82.4 percent, so tread lightly.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total (5.5) is risky business, as there is some uncertainty with Tampa Bay’s starting netminder, so be careful. If McElhinney gets the nod, it’s a different ball game. If Vasilevskiy is in between the pipes, this will be a low-scoring battle. The Under is 4-1 in Tampa’s past five road games, and 8-3 in the past 11 as a road favorite. The Under is 33-14-2 in the past 51 at home for Dallas, and a perfect 4-0 in their past four against teams with a winning percentage over .600.

Want some action in this one? 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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Dallas Stars at Minnesota Wild odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Dallas Stars at Minnesota Wild sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Dallas Stars (27-16-4) and Minnesota Wild (21-20-6) tangle at the Xcel Energy Center at 9 p.m. ET. We analyze the Stars-Wild sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Stars at Wild: Projected starting goalies

Ben Bishop vs. Devan Dubnyk

Bishop leads his Stars into the Twin Cities with an impressive 16-10-3 record, 2.22 goals against average and .929 save percentage in his 31 starts so far. He stopped eight of the 10 shots he faced against Wild in the Metroplex back on Oct. 29, but he was pulled after one period in favor of Anton Khudobin by then-coach Jim Montgomery, who felt Bishop wasn’t at the top of his game. Bishop faced the Wild on Dec. 1 in this very building, falling 3-2 in a shootout.

Dubnyk was an All-Star last season, but he limps in with an 8-12-2 record, 3.35 GAA and .892 SV%. He has yet to face the Stars this season. Alex Stalock is 1-1-0 with a 3.38 GAA and .891 SV% in two starts against the Stars this season, and he has a 10-7-3 record, 2.96 GAA and .903 save percentage. He would be the better choice if the Wild elect to go with Stalock.


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Stars at Wild: 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

Stars 3, Wild 2

Moneyline (ML)

The STARS (-134) are 4-1 in their past five road games, and 7-2 in the past nine games overall. They’ve been rolling along, playing solid defense with timely goaltending lately. The Wild (+110), meh, not so much. They’re mired in a 1-4 tailspin, while going 2-5 in the past seven against winning sides. They’re also just 2-6 in the past eight as a home underdog.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The STARS (-1.5, +220) just don’t pile up the offense, and everything is a grind when they’re involved. The Wild (+1.5, -278) can’t be trusted, either, as a late empty-net goal always crushes bettors taking the goal and a half. At nearly three times your return, you can’t afford to roll those dice. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-150) carries quite a bit of juice, which helps you glean a little bit about what the lean of the oddsmakers is. You can play the alternate line of UNDER 4.5 (+135) if you really like to roll the dice, and come out ahead. If Stalock was the projected netminder, and not the sieve that is Dubnyk, I’d feel a lot more confident about the alternate line.

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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Buffalo Sabres at Dallas Stars odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Buffalo Sabres at Dallas Stars sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Buffalo Sabres (21-19-7) and Dallas Stars (27-15-4) will lock horns at American Airlines Center in Dallas at 8:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Sabres-Stars sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Sabres at Stars: Projected starting goalies

Linus Ullmark vs. Ben Bishop

The Sabres have leaned upon Ullmark heavily, as Carter Hutton has been horrific. Ullmark is 15-12-3 with a 2.78 goals against average and .911 save percentage with a shutout. Ullmark hasn’t faced the Stars this season, but he was amazing against them in two outings last year. He allowed three goals on a total of 54 shots, but took the loss in both games.

Bishop posted an impressive 3-2 win in overtime Tuesday night in Colorado, as the Stars came back from a 2-0 deficit. Bishop is 16-9-3 with a 2.23 GAA and .930 save percentage this season. He fell 4-0 in Buffalo Oct. 14 in the first head-to-head meeting when he made just 18 saves.


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Sabres 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 10:55 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Stars 3, Sabres 1

Moneyline (ML)

The Stars (-223) are favored heavily over the Sabres (+180) despite the fact Buffalo won the first meeting 4-0 Oct. 14. These teams are totally different since then, and Dallas even has a new coach, as Rick Bowness has replaced Jim Montgomery behind the bench. Buffalo is struggling, and Dallas is rolling. Still, you can’t risk twice as much as your return on investment. AVOID.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The STARS (-1.5, +135) are the play on the puck line, albeit rather lightly. The Sabres have won just 11 of their past 41 on the road, and they’re 17-41 in the previous 58 as an underdog away from home. The Stars have rocketed up the Central Division standings, winning seven of the past eight overall, and 13 of the past 17 at home.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-129) is the way to go. While the Over is 3-0-1 in the past four for Buffalo overall, the Under is 5-2-1 in the past eight when working on just one day of rest. The Under is also 6-2-1 in the past nine meetings in this series, including each of the past three.

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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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.


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


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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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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