New Jersey (33-23-6) at Dallas (39-19-2)
- When: Mar 4 2025, 8:00 PM
- Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- TV: ESPN+/Hulu
NHL Showdown: Stars Look to Keep Rolling Against Short-Handed Devils
Dallas Stars (-175) | Total: 5.5
Dallas Stars: Offensive Surge Continues
The Dallas Stars have been an offensive powerhouse over the past two months, leading the NHL in wins (19) and goals scored (98) since December 28. Coming into Tuesday night’s matchup, the Stars are riding a 5-1-0 stretch, outscoring opponents 32-19 in that span.
Dallas already took down New Jersey 4-2 on February 22, and will look to complete the season sweep on home ice, where they boast an impressive 22-7-1 record.
Their 6-3 victory over St. Louis on Sunday highlighted their elite power play efficiency, converting 4-for-4 with the extra skater. Wyatt Johnston played the hero, netting three power-play goals, tying a franchise record.
Despite being outshot 42-21, head coach Pete DeBoer praised his team’s resilience:
“We bent but didn’t break. We hung around until we found our game.”
Key Trends for Dallas:
5-1 in their last 6 games, averaging 5.3 goals per game
4-1 in their last 5 home games vs. New Jersey
Power play is clicking, 6-for-10 in their last 3 games
Johnston extended his six-game point streak (6G, 4A), while Roope Hintz has been red-hot, posting four points in back-to-back games.
With Jake Oettinger (2.44 GAA) likely in net, the Stars will aim to control this game against a Devils team missing its biggest offensive weapon.
New Jersey Devils: Struggling for Consistency Without Hughes
The New Jersey Devils have been inconsistent, splitting their last 12 games (6-6-0). However, the biggest concern heading into this matchup is the potential absence of Jack Hughes (27G, 70P), who left Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Vegas with an arm injury.
Hughes is listed as day-to-day and is unlikely to play, leaving a major void in the Devils’ offense. New Jersey ranks just 22nd in the NHL in scoring over their last 10 games, and without Hughes, they could struggle even more.
“0-0 game all the way, and then a questionable penalty shifts the momentum,” said Jesper Bratt, referencing a costly penalty in Sunday’s loss.
The Devils haven’t won consecutive games in nearly a month and now face a Dallas squad that has been dominant at home.
Key Trends for New Jersey:
3-6 in their last 9 road games
1-4 in their last 5 games vs. Central Division teams
Lost 4 of their last 5 against teams currently in the playoff picture
With Jacob Markstrom (MCL sprain) just returning from an 11-game absence, the Devils could turn to Jake Allen for this one. Either way, goaltending and defense will need to be sharp to keep pace with Dallas’ explosive offense.
Betting Outlook & Prediction
Dallas has been dominant at home (22-7-1)
New Jersey struggles without Hughes and is on shaky form
Stars’ power play is heating up, while the Devils’ offense is missing its best playmaker
The Stars are playing their best hockey of the season, while the Devils are missing a crucial offensive piece in Hughes. Dallas handled New Jersey on the road last month, and at home, they should be able to control the pace and keep their offense clicking.
Final Pick: Dallas Stars -1.5 (+155)
Predicted Score: Stars 4, Devils 2
Lean Over 5.5 (-108) with Dallas’ offensive firepower leading the way
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
