The Penguins visit the Stars in a cross-conference matchup. Welcome back to NHL Predictions here on Last Word on Hockey! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for all the NHL’s games. In today’s matchup, Pittsburgh looks to bounce back a loss against the St Louis Blues, while Dallas aims to get their roster ready for the looming playoffs.
NHL Predictions
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Stars 1-0 Penguins
Time: 3:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: ABC, ESPN+, Sportsnet+,
This will be the second matchup between these teams this season. The Stars took the first game in a 7-1 rout over the Penguins in November.
The Penguins Story
Following a 5-4 overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues, the Penguins moved to 30-34-12 on the season. With this record, Pittsburgh sits fourth-last in the East, and eighth-last in the league. Pittsburgh has been a middle of the road team as of late, with a 5-3-2 record in their last ten. With the season winding down, the team is all but eliminated from playoff contention.
Even with the disappointing season as a whole, there have been bright spots for the team. Captain Sidney Crosby and winger Rickard Rakell have had fantastic offensive seasons. Crosby has 82 points in 74 games, while Rakell has 66 in 75. Rakell is just two goals away from passing his career high in goals, and four points from passing his career high in points mark. In addition to the top scorers, attention will be on rookies Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen. The pair have played well in the AHL this season. Being rewarded with NHL time down the stretch, McGroarty scored his first NHL goal against the Blues, while Koivunen recorded his first NHL assist on the goal. Expect the young guns of Pittsburgh to get more shine in this game against the Stars.
The Stars Story
The juggernaut Dallas Stars are rolling heading into the playoffs. Following a 5-1 win over the Nashville Predators, the Stars improved to a seven-game win streak. Going 8-0-2 in their last ten, Dallas is 50-21-4 on the season. This incredible run has led the Stars to holding the third-best record in the league, just four points behind the Winnipeg Jets for the top spot.
A big proponent of the Stars’ success has been their overwhelming depth. Veteran forwards like Matt Duchene, Jamie Benn, and Tyler Seguin have been propped up by younger forwards like Jason Robertson, Wyatt Johnston, and Roope Hintz. Although, Benn has been ruled as doubtful for today’s game. In addition to these players, the Stars added superstar forward Mikko Rantanen at the trade deadline, giving them one of the best offences in the league. On defence, superstar Miro Heiskanen and young gun Thomas Harley have led the way. This incredible group has been backstopped by star goaltender Jake Oettinger. With the amount of talent on the Stars, expect Pittsburgh to struggle to compete in this matchup.
NHL Prediction
Pittsburgh is playing for pride and experience for their young guns. The Stars meanwhile, are kicking their play into high gear in order to be ready for the playoffs. Players like Mikael Granlund and Mason Marchment are sure to give the Penguins fits on both ends of the ice, and the Stars are likely to extend their win-streak to eight games.
Prediction: Stars win 6-2
Prop Bet for the Night
FanDuel Over 7 Goals (+180): Expect a high-scoring game led by Rantanen, against the defensively anemic Penguins.
Main Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: April 5th Pittsburgh Penguins at Dallas Stars appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.