Columbus has been struggling to find its rhythm lately. Since the break, the team has suffered several disappointing results. The slump was particularly evident in their matches against Dallas (3:5) and Buffalo (2:3), where the team failed to perform at its best. One of the main issues has been their inability to capitalize on their chances, leading to losses. However, in recent games, Columbus has shown some improvement. A standout moment was their dominant 5:1 victory over Chicago, where defenseman Zach Werenski played a key role, scoring a goal and providing two assists.
That said, Columbus is still dealing with defensive issues and roster problems, with key players such as Chinakhov, Gudbranson, and LaBanc sidelined due to injuries. Their defense continues to struggle, and the team averages more than 3 goals allowed per game. Columbus has a strong power play, which could be a game-changer in this match. The Jackets capitalize on 22.6% of their power play opportunities — a solid statistic that could make a difference in key moments.
On the other hand, Dallas has managed to stabilize after a rocky start to their home series. The team has bounced back with solid wins over San Jose (6:1) and New Jersey (4:2), with goaltender Jake Desmith making a significant contribution, saving over 90% of the shots. Leading the attack is captain Jamie Benn, who has been instrumental in keeping the Stars’ offensive flow intact, despite some occasional defensive lapses.
Although the Stars are missing players like Heiskanen, Seguin, and Lundkvist, Dallas still boasts one of the strongest defenses in the league, allowing just 2.52 goals per game on average.
Dallas, however, stands out for its defensive play. The Stars have one of the best defenses in the Western Conference, conceding fewer than 3 goals per game. The team also boasts excellent discipline, averaging just 6.38 penalty minutes per game, which contributes to their overall stability.
This upcoming matchup between two American teams promises to be thrilling, despite both sides facing some challenges. Let’s break down what we can expect from this game. For Columbus, facing Dallas will be a tough challenge. While recent victories have shown improvements, the Jackets’ defense remains their weak point, and it’s unlikely they will be able to contain the Stars’ attack, even with a few missing players on Dallas’ side. However, if Columbus can capitalize on power plays, they might be able to make a game of it.
Dallas, on the other hand, appears to be the favorite in this matchup. With their strong defense and disciplined play, the Stars should have the upper hand. Although missing a few players, this shouldn’t have a major impact on their overall game plan. If Dallas can control the game defensively and minimize Columbus’ scoring chances, they are likely to come out on top. Prediction: Dallas wins with a likely score of 4-2 or 5-3.
In the upcoming game, Columbus enters as the clear underdog, despite playing on their home ice. Indeed, this season, the Jackets lag behind their competitor in several key aspects, which is particularly evident in their head-to-head matchups. Dallas has been in fantastic form, consistently handling all opponents, and it's unlikely they will stumble against the Blue Jackets. Therefore, we recommend playing it safe and placing your bet on the favorite at a great odds value.
Bookmakers are offering odds of 3.26 for Columbus, 4.46 for a draw, and 2.00 for Dallas. Total over 5.5 goals is offered for 1.73, total under for 2.19
Our prediction: Dallas victory at 2.01.
