Tampa Bay (39-23-5) at Dallas (43-21-3)
- When: Mar 20 2025, 8:00 PM
- Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- TV: FDSSUN
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Dallas Stars: Betting Preview & Prediction
Dallas Stars Moneyline (-122) | Total: 6.0
Two surging teams collide as the Tampa Bay Lightning look to extend their win streak to three, while the Dallas Stars aim for their ninth consecutive home victory. Both teams are in strong playoff contention, setting up an intense battle on Thursday night in Texas.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Can They Stay Hot on the Road?
Record: 39-23-5 (83 points)
Recent Form: 13-3-2 since Jan. 30
Last Game: 2-0 win vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Tampa Bay is finding its defensive form at the right time, allowing just two goals in their last two games after giving up 17 in their previous four. Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy posted his fifth shutout of the season against the Flyers, giving the Lightning a much-needed confidence boost heading into this matchup.
Offensively, Nikita Kucherov and Jake Guentzel continue to lead the way, combining for 62 goals this season. However, the Lightning need to prove they can break through a strong Dallas defense, especially after getting shut down 4-2 at home against the Stars in November.
The key for Tampa Bay will be minimizing turnovers and avoiding a slow start. The Stars have dominated at home, and the Lightning can’t afford to play from behind.
Dallas Stars: Looking to Keep the Home Dominance Alive
Record: 43-21-3 (89 points)
Recent Form: 8-2-0 in last 10 home games
Last Game: 4-3 OT win vs. Anaheim Ducks
Dallas enters Thursday tied for the longest home winning streak in franchise history and hasn’t lost at home since Jan. 21. The Stars have been an offensive machine, scoring three or more goals in seven of their last eight home games, with key contributions from Matt Duchene, Roope Hintz, and Thomas Harley.
Defensively, Jake Oettinger (2.55 GAA) is expected to start after stopping 27 shots in Dallas’ road win over Tampa earlier this season. Backup Casey DeSmith has also been reliable, riding a six-game win streak with a stellar 2.01 GAA and .931 save percentage.
The Stars thrive in close contests, winning half of their last eight home games by one goal margins. Their ability to close out games in tight situations gives them the edge here.
Betting Prediction
Pick: Dallas Stars Moneyline (-122)
Lean: Over 6.0 (-108)
The Stars have been nearly unstoppable at home, and with the Lightning struggling in their last meeting against Dallas, expect another strong showing from the home team. Tampa Bay’s defense has tightened up, but Dallas’ offensive depth should be enough to extend their home win streak.
This should be a high-paced game with plenty of scoring chances, so the Over 6.0 is also a strong consideration. Expect the Stars to come out on top in a tight, high-scoring affair.
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
