NHL Game Preview: Boston Bruins (28-19-2) vs. Dallas Stars (27-13-9)

0
19
Dallas Stars logo

The Boston Bruins (28-19-2) visit the Dallas Stars (27-13-9) in a cross-conference clash amid contrasting forms. Boston rides a six-game winning streak, showcasing offensive firepower with recent blowouts, while Dallas has dropped three straight, struggling defensively amid injuries. This matchup at American Airlines Center could hinge on special teams, with Boston’s potent power play (top-10 efficiency) testing Dallas’ middling penalty kill. Expect a gritty battle, as the Bruins’ road resilience faces the Stars’ home-ice edge, potentially influenced by key absences like Dallas’ Tyler Seguin.

Game Details

Puckdrop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT)

Venue: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX

nhl.com +1

TV Broadcast: TNT, HBO Max, NESN, Victory+

How to Watch: NHL Network (streaming available via ESPN+)

Recent Team Forms

The Bruins are 5-0 in their last five, outscoring opponents 26-9 with dominant performances. The Stars are 1-4 in their last five, allowing 3.8 GPG amid a defensive slide.

Boston Bruins Last 5 Games:

DateOpponentResultScore
Jan 17@ Chicago BlackhawksW5-2
Jan 15vs. Seattle KrakenW4-2
Jan 13vs. Detroit Red WingsW3-0
Jan 10vs. New York RangersW10-2
Jan 8vs. Calgary FlamesW4-1

Dallas Stars Last 5 Games:

DateOpponentResultScore
Jan 18vs. Tampa Bay LightningL1-4
Jan 15vs. Utah MammothL1-2
Jan 13@ Anaheim DucksL1-3
Jan 12@ Seattle KrakenW3-1
Jan 10vs. San Jose SharksL4-5 (OT)

Injury Report

Boston’s blue line is thinned, potentially exposing them to Dallas’ snipers. The Stars are without key forwards and defensemen, impacting depth and special teams.

Boston Bruins: Andrew Peeke (D) – Day-To-Day (Lower Body); Henri Jokiharju (D) – IR (Jan 22 return); Jordan Harris (D) – Out (Ankle, two months).

Dallas Stars: Tyler Seguin (C) – Out (Knee/ACL, post-Olympics); Lian Bichsel (D) – Out (Lower Body, Feb 2); Miro Heiskanen (D) – Day-To-Day.

Key Player Matchups

This game pits Boston’s high-volume shooters against Dallas’ structured defense. The Bruins’ power play (23.8%, 9th) could capitalize on Dallas’ absences, while the Stars’ even-strength play (top-5 in expected goals) tests Boston’s road GAA (3.12, 18th).

David Pastrnak (Bruins) vs. Jason Robertson (Stars): Pastrnak (20 G, 38 A) leads Boston’s attack with elite shot-making. Robertson (similar production) counters with playmaking; expect a duel of wingers in high-danger areas.

Brad Marchand (Bruins) vs. Wyatt Johnston (Stars): Marchand (veteran agitator, strong two-way) brings physicality. Johnston (emerging star) adds speed; this matchup could dictate transition play.

Charlie McAvoy (Bruins) vs. Roope Hintz (Stars): McAvoy anchors Boston’s blue line with shutdown ability. Hintz (speedy center) exploits gaps; defensive zone starts will be key.

Goaltending: Jeremy Swayman (Bruins) vs. Jake Oettinger (Stars): Swayman (.912 SV%) thrives in big games. Oettinger (.905 SV%) has home splits favoring him, but recent form is shaky.

Boston ranks 8th in scoring but 15th in GAA; Dallas is 6th in GAA but slipping offensively without Seguin.

Series History

The Bruins lead the all-time series 88-39-23-2 (including playoffs).

Dallas has won the last two meetings, but Boston holds a 5-3 edge in the past eight. Recent games average 5.5 goals.

Nov 14, 2024: Stars 7-2 @ Bruins

Oct 24, 2024: Stars 5-2 vs. Bruins

Feb 19, 2024: Bruins 4-3 (SO) vs. Stars

Average margin in last three: +4 for winner.

Betting Trends

Spread: Bruins are 25-24 ATS overall (51%) but 14-9 ATS on road as underdogs. Stars are 22-27 ATS but 15-9 ATS at home.

Over/Under: 6 (-110 to -112).

Teams combine for 6.2 GPG. Bruins games hit over 52% (25/48); Stars under 55% (27/49). Over in 4 of Bruins’ last 5 Tuesdays; under in 5 of Stars’ last 7 home games. Other Trends: Bruins 6-0 SU last 6; 4-1 ATS as +140+ underdogs. Stars 1-4 SU last 5; 4-1 ATS when opponent wins prior game.

Game Odds

Boston Bruins                    5.5

Dallas Stars                         – 166

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, January 19, 2026