Game Details
The Dallas Stars (25-8-7) will face the Chicago Blackhawks (14-18-7) in a Central Division matchup. Puckdrop is scheduled for 8:30 PM ET.
It will take place at United Center in Chicago, Illinois, the home arena of the Blackhawks.
Broadcast options include ESPN+ for national viewers and local feeds on Bally Sports Southwest for Stars coverage and NBC Sports Chicago for Blackhawks fans.
This is the third meeting of the season, with the Stars holding a 2-0-0 edge, including a 5-1 victory on December 29, 2025.
Recent Team Forms
The Stars are entering on a three-game losing streak, including a 1-4 defeat to the Buffalo Sabres in their most recent game.
Over their last 10 games, Dallas has gone 7-3-0, averaging 3.4 goals per game while allowing 2.8. Their power play has been effective, but recent defensive lapses have been an issue.
The Blackhawks have struggled, going 2-7-1 in their last 10 with a -14 goal differential.
They average 2.5 goals per game but concede 3.9, showing defensive vulnerabilities. Recent results include a 4-3 shootout loss, highlighting occasional competitiveness but overall inconsistency.
| Team | Last 5 Games | Streak | GPG (Last 10) | GA/G (Last 10) |
| Dallas Stars | L-L-L-W-W | L3 | 3.4 | 2.8 |
| Chicago Blackhawks | L-W-L-L-L | L1 | 2.5 | 3.9 |
Injury Report
The Stars have a few absences impacting their lineup. Defenseman Lian Bichsel is on IR, and forward Kyle McDonald is out with a knee injury until at least January 1 (game-time decision potential).
The Blackhawks are without key contributors. Center Connor Bedard is out with a shoulder/upper-body injury, forward Frank Nazar is out with an upper-body issue, and defenseman Shea Weber is out for the season.
Forward Jason Dickinson is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury.
| Team | Player | Status | Injury/Details |
| Dallas Stars | Lian Bichsel | Out (IR) | Undisclosed |
| Dallas Stars | Kyle McDonald | Out | Knee (Until Jan. 1) |
| Chicago Blackhawks | Connor Bedard | Out | Shoulder/Upper Body |
| Chicago Blackhawks | Frank Nazar | Out | Upper Body |
| Chicago Blackhawks | Shea Weber | Out | Season-Ending |
| Chicago Blackhawks | Jason Dickinson | Day-to-Day | Undisclosed |
Key Player Matchups
With Bedard sidelined, the Blackhawks’ offense is thinned, setting up favorable matchups for the Stars.
Roope Hintz (Stars) vs. Petr Mrazek (Blackhawks): Hintz (Stars’ leading scorer with speed and finishing) will test Mrazek’s goaltending (solid .910 SV% but vulnerable to high-danger chances).
Jamie Benn (Stars) vs. Connor Murphy (Blackhawks): Benn’s physicality and net-front presence against Murphy’s defensive reliability could dictate board battles and rebound control.
Jake Oettinger (Stars) vs. Taylor Hall (Blackhawks): Oettinger (elite .920 SV%) faces Hall’s veteran scoring, but with Chicago’s injuries, the Stars’ netminder holds the edge.
The Stars’ depth gives them advantages across most lines.
Series History
The Blackhawks hold a historical edge with 141 wins to Dallas/Minnesota North Stars’ combined, but focusing on Dallas Stars era: Chicago leads slightly in recent head-to-head.
In the last 20 games, the teams are split 10-10.
The Stars won the most recent matchup 5-1 on December 29, 2025, and have won 4 of the last 6 encounters.
Betting Trends
Dallas is 63.4% implied to win, but they’ve struggled ATS recently (3-7 in last 10).
The over has hit in 6 of the last 10 head-to-head games, reflecting offensive outputs from the Stars.
Game Odds
Dallas Stars – 192
Chicago Blackhawks 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, December 31, 2025
