Dallas (1-0) at Winnipeg (0-1)
- When: May 9 2025, 9:30 PM
- Where: Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg, MB, CAN
- TV: TNT
Jets vs. Stars Game 2 Preview and Prediction
Moneyline: Winnipeg (-128) | Total: 5.5
The Winnipeg Jets look to bounce back at home as they host the Dallas Stars for Game 2 of their second-round playoff series. Dallas stunned Winnipeg in Game 1, driven by the red-hot play of Mikko Rantanen, who has been on an absolute tear this postseason. Winnipeg enters as the slight favorite at -128, but they will need to contain Rantanen if they want to avoid falling into a 2-0 hole.
Dallas Stars Overview
Mikko Rantanen has been nothing short of spectacular for the Stars, setting NHL history with back-to-back hat tricks in consecutive playoff games. He netted three goals in the third period during a 4-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 7 of the first round, then followed it up with another three-goal performance in the second period of Game 1 against Winnipeg. His historic scoring run has fueled Dallas’ offense, with Rantanen contributing to the last 12 goals scored by the Stars—an NHL playoff record.
Dallas head coach Pete DeBoer expressed admiration for Rantanen’s form, noting his ability to dominate against tough competition. Rantanen’s production has been a complete turnaround from his slow start in the first four games of the playoffs, where he managed just a single assist. Since then, he’s tallied eight goals and six assists over his last four outings. If Rantanen maintains this momentum, Dallas could be in for another high-scoring night.
Winnipeg Jets Overview
The Jets had a solid regular season, finishing 10 points ahead of Dallas and taking three of four meetings against the Stars, outscoring them 13-5 in those matchups. Despite that, Winnipeg came up short in Game 1, losing 3-2 and surrendering home-ice advantage. Head coach Scott Arniel acknowledged the team’s lack of intensity, stressing that their Game 1 effort felt more like a December matchup than a playoff battle.
Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck allowed three goals in the loss, a performance that fell short of his regular-season dominance, where he led the league with a 2.01 goals-against average. Hellebuyck has now given up three goals in back-to-back games, a worrying trend that needs correction if Winnipeg hopes to even the series.
The Jets were boosted by the return of Mark Scheifele, who netted a goal in his comeback after missing the final two games of the St. Louis series. His presence bolsters Winnipeg’s attack, but the rest of the lineup will need to step up. Arniel emphasized the need for desperation and grit moving forward, particularly against a surging Dallas team led by Rantanen.
Prediction and Final Score
Winnipeg is positioned to bounce back at home, especially given their regular-season success against the Stars. Hellebuyck is likely to elevate his play, while the Jets’ offense should capitalize on home ice to press Dallas early. However, Rantanen’s hot streak can’t be ignored, and he will continue to be a threat for the Stars.
Final Score Prediction: Jets 3, Stars 2
Best Bet: Winnipeg ML (-128) – Expect Winnipeg to win and cover the moneyline
Total: Under 5.5 (+102) – The game staying Under as both goaltenders tighten up and defenses play more conservatively.
- NHL Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
