Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NHL match.
This fixture holds major implications in the battle for the top seed in the Western Conference. The Dallas Stars must claim a regulation-time win to stay in contention for first place over the Winnipeg Jets. For the Winnipeg Jets, any type of victory — in regulation, overtime, or a shootout — would be enough, as they currently enjoy a four-point cushion over the Dallas Stars.
Dallas Stars
The Stars have faltered at a crucial stage of the regular season, suffering three straight defeats — including a 3:5 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins and a dramatic overtime collapse against the Vancouver Canucks (5:6 OT), where they gave up a three-goal lead in under a minute. Goaltender Casey DeSmith has struggled in back-to-back home appearances, allowing ten goals with a save percentage of just 85.5%. The absence of Miro Heiskanen and Tyler Seguin has notably disrupted the team’s structure at both ends of the ice.
Winnipeg Jets
The Jets have been one of the most effective road teams in the league, earning points in 62% of their away games — second only to the Minnesota Wild in the Western Conference (63%). While they’ve dropped two of their last four games, both defeats came against in-form opponents: the Utah Hockey Club have lost just once in their previous five, while the Los Angeles Kings boast 14 wins from their last 17 outings. Against the Vegas Golden Knights and the St. Louis Blues, the Jets put in composed performances, with only one defensive lapse resulting in a goal. Over the season, they have been the NHL’s stingiest team defensively, conceding just 182 goals, and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is having a standout campaign — posting a 92.4% save percentage and allowing an average of two goals per game.
Dallas Stars vs Winnipeg Jets Prediction
The Dallas Stars have shown worrying signs, particularly in the closing stages of games, conceding eleven goals in their last three outings. In contrast, the Winnipeg Jets have been solid away from home and exceptionally organised at the back, especially with Connor Hellebuyck in goal. The Winnipeg Jets have taken two of the three head-to-head matchups this season, allowing just five goals across those games. The visitors are well-positioned to secure at least an overtime or shootout win.
