NHL Game Preview: Dallas Stars (23-7-5) vs. Anaheim Ducks (20-12-2)

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The Dallas Stars (23-7-5) head west to battle the Anaheim Ducks (20-12-2) in a cross-conference tilt. The Stars, sitting near the top of the Central Division, bring a potent offense and strong road record, while the Ducks aim to leverage home ice and their improved defensive play to stay competitive in the Pacific. This matchup could hinge on goaltending and special teams, with both squads dealing with key absences.

Venue Location

The game will be hosted at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

This 18,230-capacity arena has been the Ducks’ home since 1993 and is known for its lively crowd, especially during late-season pushes.

Puckdrop: 10:00 p.m. ET.

Coverage will be available on ESPN+, with live streaming options on platforms like Fubo.

Team Records

Dallas Stars: 23-7-5 (51 points, 2nd in Central Division)

Anaheim Ducks: 20-12-2 (42 points, 3rd in Pacific Division)

Dallas leads the league in goal differential, while Anaheim has climbed the standings with balanced scoring and timely wins.

Recent Team Forms

The Stars are rolling with an 8-2-0 mark in their last 10, boasting a +15 goal differential (38-23).

The Ducks are 6-3-1 over the same span, with a +6 differential (32-26).

Dallas Stars Last 10 Games:

DateOpponentResultScoreKey Notes
Dec 18vs. San Jose SharksW5-3Johnston two goals; strong power play
Dec 15vs. Los Angeles KingsW4-1Defensive masterclass
Dec 13at Florida PanthersW4-3Overtime thriller
Dec 11vs. Winnipeg JetsW3-2Hintz game-winner
Dec 9at Nashville PredatorsL2-4Rare road slip
Dec 7vs. Utah MammothW5-2Offensive explosion
Dec 5vs. Winnipeg JetsW (OT)3-2Point streak continues
Dec 2vs. New York RangersL3-4Close but defensive lapses
Nov 29at Minnesota WildW4-1Shutout third period
Nov 27vs. Chicago BlackhawksW3-0Oettinger shutout

Anaheim Ducks Last 10 Games:

DateOpponentResultScoreKey Notes
Dec 16at Columbus Blue JacketsL3-4Late collapse
Dec 13at New Jersey DevilsL1-4Offensive struggles
Dec 11at New York IslandersW5-2Power-play dominance
Dec 9vs. Ottawa SenatorsW4-3Comeback win
Dec 6vs. Boston BruinsL (OT)3-4Earned point in shootout
Dec 4vs. Vegas Golden KnightsW3-0Shutout victory
Dec 2vs. Vancouver CanucksW4-1Balanced attack
Nov 30vs. Pittsburgh PenguinsW4-3Strome multi-point game
Nov 28at Carolina HurricanesL1-4Road defensive issues
Nov 25vs. Philadelphia FlyersW5-3High-scoring home win
     

Injury Report

Both teams are navigating significant absences, with Dallas hit harder by long-term losses.

Dallas Stars:

Tyler Seguin (C): Out for season (ACL surgery).

Lian Bichsel (D): Out (Lower Body/LTIR, 6-8 weeks).

Adam Erne (LW): Out (Lower Body).

Kyle McDonald (F): Out (Undisclosed).

Anaheim Ducks:

Petr Mrazek (G): Out (Lower Body/IR).

These injuries deplete Dallas’ forward depth and Anaheim’s goaltending options, potentially forcing backups into prominent roles.

Player Matchups

Key individual duels could swing this game, focusing on offensive firepower and defensive shutdowns. Dallas averages 3.6 GPG (top-5), while Anaheim sits at 3.3 (mid-pack); defenses are solid for both (Dallas 2.5 GAPG, Anaheim 3.0).

Wyatt Johnston (DAL, C, ~15G-20A) vs. Cutter Gauthier (ANA, LW, ~10G-15A): Johnston’s scoring touch challenges Gauthier’s physical edge in high-danger areas.

Jason Robertson (DAL, LW, 20G leader) vs. Ryan Strome (ANA, C, multi-point threat): Robertson’s shot volume vs. Strome’s playmaking; expect neutral-zone battles.

Roope Hintz (DAL, C, goal+assist standout) vs. Cam Fowler (ANA, D): Hintz’s speed tests Fowler’s veteran poise on the blue line.

Goaltending: Jake Oettinger (DAL, 2.54 GAA, .907 SV%) vs. John Gibson (ANA, ~2.80 GAA, .900 SV%): Oettinger’s consistency could exploit Anaheim’s backup if Mrazek is out.

Series History

The Stars and Ducks have clashed 158 times in regular season and playoffs, with Dallas holding a 92-56-5-5 edge overall.

Anaheim has won 61 games, including a strong home record. In the last 10 meetings, Dallas is 6-4-0 with a +5 goal differential.

Recent games average 6.2 goals, often going over, but Dallas won the latest 7-5 on November 6, 2025.

Playoff history includes Anaheim’s 2014 first-round upset over Dallas.

Betting Trends

Dallas enters as a slight road favorite, with trends favoring the over in offensive matchups.

Stars are 8-2 in last 10, 7-3 ATS; 6-4 ATS on road.

Ducks are 6-3-1 in last 10, 6-4 ATS; strong at home (8-2 ATS).

Over has hit in 7 of Dallas’ last 10 road games and 6 of Anaheim’s last 10 overall.

In H2H, over is 7-3 in last 10; road team won 6 of last 10.

Game Odds

Dallas Stars                         – 115

Anaheim Ducks                 6.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, December 18, 2025