Date: May 7, 2025
Time: 9:30 PM ET
Venue: Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg, MB
Broadcast: ESPN, CBC, SN
Matchup Overview
The Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets face off in Game 1 of their Western Conference Second Round series. Both teams survived grueling seven-game battles in the first round, with Dallas rallying from a 2-0 third-period deficit to eliminate Colorado, while Winnipeg pulled off a dramatic double-overtime comeback against St. Louis.
This marks the first-ever playoff meeting between these two Central Division rivals. Winnipeg enters as the Presidents’ Trophy winner, boasting the best regular-season record in the NHL, while Dallas looks to prove they can compete with the league’s top team.
Key Storylines
1. Can Dallas Overcome Its Game 1 Struggles?
The Stars have lost their last eight Game 1s in playoff series, a trend they desperately want to break. Playing on the road might actually help, as their previous Game 1 losses have mostly come at home.
2. Winnipeg’s Offensive Firepower
The Jets dominated the regular-season series, winning three of four games and outscoring Dallas 13-5. Kyle Connor (12 playoff points) has been a force, and Winnipeg’s depth scoring has been crucial.
3. Injury Concerns for Both Teams
Winnipeg’s Mark Scheifele and Josh Morrissey are questionable, while Dallas hopes to get Jason Robertson and Miro Heiskanen back in the lineup. Their availability could swing the series.
4. Goaltending Battle – Connor Hellebuyck vs. Jake Oettinger
Hellebuyck struggled on the road in Round 1 but was dominant at home, going 4-0. Oettinger, meanwhile, has been steady, but he’ll need to be sharp against Winnipeg’s high-powered attack.
Projected Starting Lineups
Dallas Stars
- LW: Roope Hintz
- C: Wyatt Johnston
- RW: Mikko Rantanen
- D: Ryan Suter, Thomas Harley
- G: Jake Oettinger
Winnipeg Jets
- LW: Kyle Connor
- C: Adam Lowry
- RW: Nikolaj Ehlers
- D: Neal Pionk, Dylan Samberg
- G: Connor Hellebuyck
Game Odds
Dallas Stars – 125
Winnipeg Jets 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, May 6, 2025
