After their three game-winning streak came to an end on Tuesday night, the Dallas Stars hit the ice once again at the American Airlines Center tonight, facing off with divisional opponent, the Winnipeg Jets.
In an always tightly-packed Central Division, which is arguably the best in hockey, each and every division match-up is crucial, and both teams look to come out of Thursday night’s game with two points.
Tonight’s puck drop is at 7:30, and will be broadcasted on Fox Sports Southwest (FSSW), and can be listened to on 1310 AM/96.7 FM The Ticket.
Records And Scores
The Dallas Stars got off to their best 15-game start in franchise history, with a jaw-dropping record of 12-3-0. On Tuesday night, however, the Stars lost their fourth game of the season and their second to the Toronto Maple Leafs, falling 3-2.
Dallas still is atop of the Central Division with 24 points, and also posses the most points in the Western Conference.
The Stars have still yet to lose two consecutive games in this 2015-2016 season, and are hoping that streak doesn’t come to an end tonight.
On the other side of the red line, the Winnipeg Jets enter through the doors of the American Airlines Center with an 8-6-2 record, good for 18 points and fifth place in the Central.
The Jets have lost their last three times on the ice, as well as four of their last five.
On top of that, Winnipeg has allowed 18 goals in their past five match-ups.
The Jets are on game two of a four-game tenure against Central Division opponents.
After a 5-3 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday, the Jets clash with the Stars tonight, then head to Nashville and St. Louis, respectively, hoping to steal points from teams ahead of them in the divisional standings.
Story lines
Stars Must Protect Home Ice
While the Dallas Stars excelled on the road last season, they failed in duplicating their play away from home back at the AAC. This season, the Stars are 5-2-0 in Dallas this season, and tonight’s game marks game two of four on this current home-stand for the victory green.
Seguin Still Atop NHL Leader Board
With 23 points (9 goals, 14 assists), Dallas Stars first-line center Tyler Seguin leads the entire NHL in scoring. The 23-year-old phenom has been exceptional since he first put on the green #91 jersey, and has carried over past successes into this season.
Jets Are Wheeling Along
29-year-old right winger Blake Wheeler is piloting the flights for the Winnipeg Jets this season. With seven goals and 12 helpers in just 16 games, Wheeler finds himself in the top five in the league offensively. If the Jets are to return to the playoffs this season, it will be heavily because of Blake Wheeler.
Injury Report
The Dallas Stars have called up many young prospects this season, especially due to the numerous injuries the team has encountered.
Brett Ritchie still remains out, as he has for the entire duration of this young season, with a wrist injury.
On top of Ritchie, Patrick Eaves (lower body), Curtis McKenzie (hip), and Travis Moen (upper body) are all out for tonight’s match-up.
So far in the early stages of this season, Winnipeg has stayed fairly healthy.
However, defenseman Grant Clitsome is out with a back injury, and will not play in tonight’s game.
Projected Lines
Jamie Benn – Tyler Seguin – Patrick Sharp
Mattias Janmark – Cody Eakin – Jason Spezza
Colton Sceviour – Vernon Fiddler – Ales Hemsky
Antoine Roussel – Radek Faksa – Valeri Nichushkin
Alex Goligoski – John Klingberg
Johnny Oduya – Jason Demers
Jamie Oleksiak – Jordie Benn
Predictions
The Stars did not play up to team standards on Tuesday night against Toronto.
More from Blackout Dallas
- Dallas Stars Traverse City Tournament: Who had great performances?
- Grushnikov and Stankoven lead Dallas Stars to 6-3 win over Columbus
- Dallas Stars prospects look to wrap up tournament with a win
- Burn the tapes: Dallas Stars prospects lose 5-1 to Toronto Maple Leafs
- Dallas Stars look to continue success today against the Maple Leafs
And to add on to that, Winnipeg won three of four times against the Stars last season.
There is valid logic and reasoning for both teams to win this game, but I’m going with the Jets to win this one.
However, I do think it will go to overtime, and the Stars will gain a point, despite losing.
Next: Dallas Stars Will Experience Central Division Rigor All Year
Thanks for reading, and leave your comments below!