Vegas (30-14-4) at Dallas (29-17-1)
- When: Jan 24 2025, 7:30 PM
- Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- TV: ESPN
Game Preview
The Dallas Stars head into Friday night as the Moneyline favorites (-150) against the Vegas Golden Knights, with the total set at 5.5. This matchup brings playoff intensity as these two teams reignite their rivalry following last season’s dramatic postseason showdown.
Why Bet on Dallas?
The Stars are 17-7-1 at home and are eager to bounce back after a narrow 2-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday. With Roope Hintz back in the lineup following an upper-body injury, Dallas has one of its key offensive weapons ready to go. Hintz leads the Stars with 19 goals and has logged six points in his last seven games against Vegas, making him a critical factor in Dallas’ ability to dominate at home.
Dallas coach Pete DeBoer recognizes the significance of this game, as the Stars face the Golden Knights, the team they eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last year. With both teams familiar with each other’s style, expect a hard-fought battle. Dallas’ strong home record and their ability to adapt in tight defensive games give them an edge in this contest.
Why Bet on Vegas?
The Golden Knights broke out of their recent slump with a 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Thursday, snapping a four-game losing streak. Mark Stone made an immediate impact, scoring just 19 seconds into the game and adding an assist. Tomas Hertl also extended his scoring streak to four games, while Pavel Dorofeyev and Victor Olofsson contributed key goals.
Vegas leads the Pacific Division with 30 wins, tied with the Edmonton Oilers, and they’ll aim to carry Thursday’s momentum into this clash. Ivan Barbashev emphasized the team’s improved effort in their win over the Blues, saying, “We said before the game it’s enough (losing), and we’ve got to be better as a team.”
Vegas has already defeated Dallas once this season, securing a 3-2 victory on Dec. 6 behind 38 saves from Adin Hill. With a strong performance in that matchup, the Golden Knights will look to replicate their success, even as they play on back-to-back nights.
Betting Trends and Predictions
The Stars are 7-3 in their last 10 home games, making them a tough opponent at the American Airlines Center.
The Golden Knights are just 2-5 in their last seven games but are coming off a confidence-boosting victory.
Dallas has seen the total go under 5.5 in six of their last eight games, highlighting their defensive mindset.
Prediction: Dallas has the rest advantage and is playing in front of a strong home crowd, giving them the upper hand. Look for the Stars to edge out Vegas in a close game, covering the Moneyline at -150. The total of 5.5 is a bit tricky given both teams’ defensive prowess, but with Vegas playing their second game in as many nights, this could stay under.
Final Score Prediction: Dallas 3, Vegas 2. Take the Stars to win and the under 5.5 in what should be a tightly contested matchup.
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
