Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 PM EDT (7:00 PM CT)
Venue: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
Broadcast: Victory+, TSN3; League Pass / Radio affiliates
This Central Division matchup features a playoff-hungry Jets squad (6th in the Central, 10th in the West, still in the wild-card mix) visiting a strong Dallas team (2nd in the Central, 2nd in the West) that has already secured a top seed and home-ice advantage. The Stars host at the American Airlines Center (22-10-4 home record) and enter with superior depth and underlying metrics, while Winnipeg (14-16-6 away) is battling inconsistency on the road. Dallas won the most recent meeting 4-3 in OT on Feb. 2.
Injury Report
Winnipeg Jets (significant forward and blueline absences):
- Morgan Barron (C) – Out (concussion; est. return Apr. 4)
- Colin Miller (D) – IR (est. return Apr. 6)
- Nino Niederreiter (RW) – IR (est. return Apr. 11)
- Vladislav Namestnikov (C) – Out (lower body; est. return Apr. 4)
Dallas Stars (no major injuries reported; core intact):
No significant absences listed for key players. Any lingering concerns from earlier season (e.g., Mikko Rantanen lower-body post-Olympics) appear resolved or not impacting availability as of latest updates. Dallas enters with full top-six and defensive depth.
The Jets’ depleted forward group and blueline depth force heavier minutes on stars like Mark Scheifele and Josh Morrissey (if active), creating exploitable gaps against Dallas’ structured forecheck.
Recent Team Forms (Last 5-10 Games)
Winnipeg Jets (mixed; 6-2-2 in last 10 per some reports, but recent skid elements noted):
Recent results show offensive flashes but defensive lapses on the road, with a shootout win in one of the latest outings contributing to playoff push efforts.
Dallas Stars (3-5-2 in last 10; strong home stretch):
Dallas has been streaky but efficient at home, with timely scoring and elite goaltending propping up results despite a couple of regulation losses. They continue to control games with pace and special teams.
Key Player Matchups
- Mark Scheifele / Kyle Connor (WPG) vs. Dallas shutdown pairs and goaltending: Scheifele’s playmaking must generate offense against a stingy Stars defense.
- Mikko Rantanen / Jason Robertson (DAL) vs. Jets blueline (depleted without Miller): Rantanen’s scoring touch and Robertson’s speed should create odd-man rushes.
- Connor Hellebuyck (WPG, strong .891+ SV% lately) vs. Jake Oettinger (DAL, 2.73 GAA, .896 SV%): Oettinger’s home form gives Dallas the net advantage.
- Secondary/Depth: Jets call-ups vs. Stars balanced attack – home energy amplifies Dallas’ transition edge.
Dallas’ speed, special teams, and defensive structure project favorably across the ice.
Series History
Dallas leads the all-time series and has owned recent meetings (including a 4-3 OT win on Feb. 2, 2026, and earlier victories). The Stars are 8-5 SU in recent head-to-head and strong at home against Winnipeg. Games have been competitive but tilt toward Dallas’ depth and goaltending.
Betting Trends
- Stars are 4-1 SU/ATS in last 5 and dominant at home; Jets 4-1 SU in select recent games but poor as road dogs.
- Totals trend Over in 17 of Stars’ last 36 home games but tighter in divisional clashes.
