The Dallas Stars (13-6-4) and their clutch power play offense host the Anaheim Ducks (6-15-2), the league’s weakest penalty killing team, at American Airlines Center on Thursday. Anaheim is coming off a 2-1 overtime loss against the Predators on Tuesday, their third defeat in a row.
The Ducks committed only two penalties in the game, holding Nashville without a power play goal. Troy Terry was the only player to find the net for the Ducks. John Gibson had a terrific performance with 39 saves (.951%) in the loss.
Dallas is back home for a six-game homestand after a 4-1 win over the Blues on Monday. Four players found the net for the Stars. Wyatt Johnston scored and provided an assist to share the scoring lead with Jamie Benn, who had two assists. Scott Wedgewood saved 23 of 24 shots in the win (.958%).
HEAD TO HEAD
The Stars won all three games between the teams last season, including a 4-2 victory in their final meeting in April, their fifth straight win against Anaheim. Radek Faksa led Dallas with two points (0G 2A). Max Comtois and Terry were on the scoresheet for Anaheim. Jake Oettinger got the win, saving 19 of 21 shots (.904%).
FACING OFF
Anaheim is averaging 2.48 goals per game for the season, 30th in the NHL, and they are taking on a Stars team that is allowing 2.83 goals a game (9th). Meanwhile, Dallas has found the net 3.83 times a game on average, second in the league, and will be looking to exploit the Ducks’ weak defense, which is allowing opponents to score a league-worst 4.13 goals per game.
Don’t be surprised to see a few power play opportunities for the Stars, as the Ducks are averaging 5.00 penalties per game, fourth-most in the NHL. The visitors’ 13.13 penalty minutes a game ranks second-highest. The home team has been penalized 4.74 times a game (6th) for an average of 11.87 minutes (7th).
The Stars will be seeking to add to their fourth-ranked power play percentage of 28.79% against the Ducks, who are the league’s weakest penalty killing team (66.27%).
Anaheim, meanwhile, has scored on only 15.15% of their power play opportunities (30th), which the visiting team will be aiming to improve on against Dallas’ third-ranked 83.52% penalty killing rate.
TOP PERFORMERS:
With 24 points this season, Terry is the top skater for the Ducks. He has 10 goals and 14 assists in 23 games. In the net, Anthony Stolarz (2-3-0) is Anaheim’s top goaltender by goals against average. He has a 3.75 GAA and a .890% save percentage. Gibson (4-12-1) leads the Ducks in games played in goal.
He has a GAA of 4.14 and a save percentage of .890%.Jason Robertson leads the Stars in scoring with 36 points (2nd in the league). He has a league-best 19 goals and 17 assists () in 23 games. Oettinger (8-2-3) has the best goals against average for Dallas at 2.52. He has a save percentage of .917%.
HOME AND AWAY
Anaheim is seeking to reverse a four-game road losing streak this season. Dallas is 6-2-2 at home this season.
SportsTips’ NHL Pick:
Dallas Stars -1.5 (-115)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
