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Florida (15-13-2) at Dallas (21-6-5)
- When: Dec 13 2025, 8:00 PM
- Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- TV: SCRIPPS
Florida vs Dallas NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Dallas -147
Spread: Dallas -1.5 (+170)
Total: 6.0
Dallas Stars Breakdown
Dallas returns home as a -147 moneyline favorite with the Total set at 6.0, and the Stars are clearly focused on fixing details after a sloppy road finale. Their impressive road run finally ended in Minnesota, where Dallas struggled badly at five on five play despite strong goaltending from Jake Oettinger. Special teams carried them in Winnipeg earlier in the week, but those cracks finally caught up.
The Stars know they did not deliver a complete performance, and that frustration usually leads to a sharper response on home ice. Jason Robertson continues to lead the offense with 20 goals, while Mikko Rantanen drives production with elite playmaking. Dallas has depth scoring, speed through the neutral zone, and the ability to tilt the ice when fully engaged.
Oettinger is expected back in goal, and while his career numbers against Florida are not flattering, he has been steady this season. Dallas typically tightens defensively at home, especially after games where effort is questioned. Expect a more physical and structured approach Saturday night.
Florida Panthers Breakdown
Florida arrives in Dallas in the middle of a demanding road stretch and coming off a lopsided loss in Colorado. That defeat snapped a solid run of form and exposed some defensive fatigue, especially late in the game. The Panthers were competitive early but could not maintain pace on the second night of a back to back.
Brad Marchand continues to lead the way offensively, bringing energy and finishing ability, while Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennett remain dangerous around the net. However, Florida has struggled away from home this season, and goaltending has been inconsistent. Sergei Bobrovsky is expected to start, but his numbers suggest he has not been at his sharpest.
Florida already edged Dallas earlier this season, but replicating that result on tired legs in Texas is a much taller task. The Panthers need to slow the game down and limit transition chances if they want to steal points.
Prediction and Betting Outlook
Dallas is the fresher team, playing at home, and motivated after a poor defensive showing. Florida is battling travel fatigue and inconsistent road play. Expect the Stars to control possession, generate sustained pressure, and grind this out.
Score Prediction: Stars 4, Panthers 2
Pick: Dallas -1.5 (+170)
Total: Over 5.5 Alt Lines (-135)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
