Winnipeg (1-1) at Dallas (1-1)
- When: May 11 2025, 4:30 PM
- Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- TV: TBS
Jets vs. Stars – Game 3 Preview and Prediction
Moneyline: Dallas (-147) | Total: 5.5
Dallas Stars Analysis
The Dallas Stars have already achieved what many road teams strive for in a playoff series: stealing home-ice advantage. After splitting the first two games in Manitoba, the series now shifts to Texas, where the Stars have a golden opportunity to take firm control. Dallas won the opener in a 3-2 thriller before getting blanked 4-0 in Game 2, thanks largely to Connor Hellebuyck’s stellar goaltending.
The Stars are no strangers to bouncing back. In their first-round battle against the Colorado Avalanche, they won three of four home games and displayed grit and resilience. Heading back to familiar ice, Dallas is confident they can shake off the Game 2 shutout. Wyatt Johnston spoke on the team’s mindset, emphasizing the team’s resilience and understanding of what it takes to win at this stage.
Matt Duchene echoed that confidence, brushing off the shutout loss and acknowledging Hellebuyck’s performance while stressing that Dallas has too much offensive firepower to be kept off the scoreboard for long. Look for the Stars to be aggressive early, peppering Hellebuyck with shots and capitalizing on home-ice energy.
Dallas has been strong at home in the playoffs, and with three of the next four games in Texas, they have a solid chance to seize control of the series. Expect the Stars to bounce back offensively, with their top lines leading the way.
Winnipeg Jets Analysis
The Winnipeg Jets rebounded in Game 2 with a dominant 4-0 victory, leveling the series and reigniting their confidence. Nikolaj Ehlers was electric, netting two goals and adding an assist, while Hellebuyck stood on his head, making 21 saves to secure the shutout. The Jets now face a tough task as they travel to Texas, a place where they struggled mightily in their first-round series against St. Louis, losing all three road games.
Hellebuyck, who had a rough go in those outings, was quick to acknowledge the challenges of playoff road games. However, his confidence was evident after Game 2, noting that the team is playing at a high level, and his own form is returning to what fans expect from one of the league’s top netminders.
Jets coach Scott Arniel also praised the team’s overall play, citing that outside of a brief nine-minute stretch in Game 2, the Jets controlled the action. Winnipeg’s ability to maintain puck possession and manage the tempo will be crucial if they want to steal one on the road.
If Winnipeg can get another strong performance from Hellebuyck and tighten up defensively, they have a legitimate shot to upset Dallas in Game 3. However, their road struggles this postseason are hard to ignore, and Hellebuyck will need to be flawless to pull off the win in enemy territory.
Prediction and Final Score
The Stars have been too strong at home and are unlikely to get shut out again with the firepower they have on their roster. Winnipeg’s road woes continue, and although Hellebuyck will keep it competitive, Dallas should take advantage of home ice and pull out a victory.
Final Score Prediction: Stars 3, Jets 1
Best Bet: Dallas Moneyline ML (-147)
Total: Under 5.5 (-108)
Expect the Stars to regroup offensively while keeping Winnipeg’s attack at bay, securing a critical Game 3 win to regain series momentum.
- NHL Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
