NHL Preview: Dallas Stars (41-20-2) vs. Vancouver Canucks (29-22-11)

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The Dallas Stars (41-20-2) are set to face off against the Vancouver Canucks (29-22-11) on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia. This game is crucial for both teams as they aim to improve their standings in the Western Conference.

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Dallas Stars

The Stars have been in fine form, currently sitting in the second seed in the Pacific Division and third overall in the league. They are on a four-game winning streak and have won seven of their last eight outings. Key players for the Stars include:

Jason Robertson: Leading the team with 33 goals and 47 assists. Robertson has been a consistent offensive threat and is a key player for the Stars.

Roope Hintz: Contributing significantly with 35 goals and 37 assists. Hintz has been a reliable scorer and playmaker for the Stars.

Mikko Rantanen: Recently acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Carolina Hurricanes, Rantanen has 27 goals and 43 assists for 70 points through 62 games this season. He is projected to skate alongside Robertson and Hintz on Dallas’ top line.

Defensively, the Stars are allowing an average of 2.30 goals per game and have an 84.3% success rate on the penalty kill, ranking first in the league. Goaltender Jake Oettinger has been solid, with a 21-12-5 record, a 2.34 GAA, and a .907 save percentage. However, Casey DeSmith is expected to start in net for this game, boasting an 11-6-0 record with a 2.50 GAA and a .912 save percentage.

Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks have had a mixed season, currently sitting just one point out of the final wild-card spot in the extremely tight Western Conference playoff race. They have won two games in a row and are looking to continue their winning ways on home ice. Key players for the Canucks include:

Elias Pettersson: Leading the team with 24 goals and 33 assists. Pettersson has been a consistent offensive force for the Canucks.

J.T. Miller: Contributing significantly with 20 goals and 35 assists. Miller has been a key player in the Canucks’ recent success.

Quinn Hughes: Adding 15 goals and 28 assists. However, Hughes is currently day-to-day with an undisclosed injury, and his return is unknown.

Defensively, the Canucks are allowing an average of 3.24 goals per game. Goaltender Kevin Lankinen has been solid, stopping 37 of the 38 shots he faced in the Canucks’ recent 3-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild. Lankinen has credited his defensemen with doing an excellent job protecting the crease.

Game Insights

Goals/Game: The Stars are averaging 3.52 goals per game, while the Canucks are averaging 3.06 goals.

Power Play: The Stars have a 22.6% success rate on the power play, while the Canucks have an 18.7% success rate.

Penalty Kill: The Stars have an 84.3% success rate on the penalty kill, while the Canucks have a 76.1% success rate.

Injuries and Lineup Changes

Stars: Tyler Seguin (hip), Miro Heiskanen (knee), and Nils Lundkvist (shoulder) are all on LTIR. Forward Roope Hintz left Saturday’s game after taking a puck to the face and is listed as day-to-day.

Canucks: Quinn Hughes (undisclosed) is day-to-day. Goaltender Thatcher Demko (lower body) and defenseman Noah Juulsen (groin) are still on IR.

Dallas Stars                                         – 142

Vancouver Canucks                         5.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, March 8, 2025

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