Dallas (0-0) at Winnipeg (0-0)
- When: May 7 2025, 9:30 PM
- Where: Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg, MB, CAN
- TV: ESPN
Dallas Stars vs. Winnipeg Jets Game 1 Preview and Prediction
Moneyline: Dallas Stars (-128) | Total: 6.0
The Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets are set to face off in Game 1 of their second-round Stanley Cup Playoff series. Both teams are coming off thrilling first-round comebacks, setting the stage for what promises to be a tightly contested series. Dallas enters as the slight favorite, while the total sits at 6.0, hinting at a potentially high-scoring affair.
Winnipeg Jets Overview
The Jets are riding high after a dramatic Game 7 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Down 3-1 late in the third period, Winnipeg pulled off a stunning comeback, scoring twice in the final two minutes with Connor Hellebuyck pulled from the net. They tied it with just three seconds left before sealing the win 4-3 in double overtime. The team showed incredible resilience, led by Nikolaj Ehlers, who emphasized how special the moment was for the group.
However, injury concerns loom large for Winnipeg. They finished the series without key players, including Mark Scheifele (39 goals, 87 points during the regular season) and Josh Morrissey, their top defenseman. Both wore non-contact jerseys during Tuesday’s optional practice, with Logan Stanley also limited. All three are listed as game-time decisions, leaving the Jets’ lineup uncertain.
Winnipeg’s offense was clutch in critical moments, but the real test will be if they can maintain that spark without full strength against a disciplined Dallas defense.
Dallas Stars Overview
The Stars also know a thing or two about dramatic finishes, having staged their own comeback to eliminate the Colorado Avalanche. Mikko Rantanen scored twice to erase a two-goal deficit, while Wyatt Johnston netted the go-ahead score with under four minutes left. Rantanen capped it off with an empty-netter to complete his hat trick in the 4-2 win.
Dallas is expecting a major boost with the likely return of Jason Robertson (35 goals, 80 points), who missed the entire first-round series. However, Miro Heiskanen remains sidelined with a knee injury, a significant loss for their blue line. Robertson has been practicing with Mason Marchment and Johnston, which could provide an offensive spark that Dallas was missing in the first round.
In net, Jake Oettinger will get the call. He holds a 2.57 GAA and .905 save percentage in his career against the Jets, facing off against Connor Hellebuyck, who sports a 2.45 GAA and .922 save percentage in matchups with Dallas. Both goaltenders are capable of stealing games, but Oettinger may have the edge with Winnipeg’s key injuries.
Prediction and Final Score
With Winnipeg potentially missing critical pieces in Scheifele and Morrissey, Dallas has the upper hand in terms of roster depth. If Robertson is back at full strength, the Stars should have the firepower to exploit any gaps in the Jets’ defense. Dallas’s ability to rally late in games and control the puck in crucial moments gives them a slight edge in this opener.
Final Score Prediction: Stars 5, Jets 2
Best Bet: Stars ML -128
Value Angle: Over 6.0 (+105)
Expect Dallas to win and cover the moneyline, with the Over 6.0 in play if the Stars can capitalize on Winnipeg’s defensive vulnerabilities.
- NHL Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
