Dallas Stars vs Chicago Blackhawks: NHL Preview, Odds & Prediction, February 22nd, 2023

Odds

2021-2022 season stats

Preview

The battle is set to commence between two titans of the NHL, as the Dallas Stars hit the road to take on the Chicago Blackhawks at the Xcel Energy Center on Friday night. This game marks the fourth time these teams will face each other this season, with the Stars currently holding a 2-1 lead in the series.

Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks have been in a slump lately, losing their last three games and struggling to find form on the road. With a poor 6-16-2 record away from home, they currently rank 8th in the Central division with an overall record of 16-32-5. It's been a season to forget for the Blackhawks, with their offense struggling immensely and averaging only 2.40 goals per game. In fact, they've managed to score just three goals in their last three games, which is a huge cause for concern.

Despite their offensive struggles, there have been some standout performers on this Blackhawks team. Patrick Kane, in particular, has been a bright spot with nine goals and 26 assists on the season. The star forward is still playing at an elite level, but he hasn't been able to lift his team out of their slump on his own.

One player who has been struggling to find his form recently is Max Domi. The forward has managed just one goal and five assists over the last 10 games, which is a disappointing return for a player who was expected to be a key contributor for the Blackhawks this season.

Looking at the Blackhawks' recent form, they've won just three of their last ten games and have been averaging 2.5 goals and 4.3 assists per game. However, they've also been taking a lot of penalties, averaging 3.5 penalties and 10.5 penalty minutes per game. On the defensive side, they've been giving up an average of 3.5 goals per game over this stretch, which is a worrying sign for a team that is already struggling to score.

INJURIES: To make matters worse, the Blackhawks have been dealing with a number of injuries. Jujhar Khaira is out with a back injury, MacKenzie Entwistle is day to day with an undisclosed issue, Jonathan Toews is still out due to an illness, Alex Stalock is out with a concussion, and Jarred Tinordi is out with a knee injury. With so many key players out of action, it's going to be a tough road ahead for the Blackhawks.

Dallas Stars

The Dallas Stars have been performing well this season, despite some recent offensive struggles. Over the last seven games, they have scored two or fewer goals in five of them. As a result, they currently rank 12th in the league in goals per game and 16th in shots per game. However, the team has a number of standout players, including Jason Robertson, who leads the team with an impressive 71 points. He has recorded at least one point in seven out of the last 10 games, and he currently ranks seventh in points and tied for fifth in goals among all players in the league.

In addition to Robertson's standout performance, Roope Hintz, Joe Pavelski, and Jamie Benn have also been making significant contributions to the team. Hintz and Pavelski both have 50 points, while Benn has 46 points. Together, these players have helped to make up for some of the team's recent offensive struggles, and they will be essential to the team's success as they continue to compete for a spot in the playoffs.

Despite the team's recent struggles on offense, their defense has been above average this season. In fact, they currently rank second in the league in goals against per game, which is a testament to the team's strong defensive play. The team's goaltending has also been excellent, with Jake Oettinger leading the way with a record of 23-7-8, a 2.23 GAA, and a .925 SV%. Oettinger currently ranks third in GAA, third in SV%, and second in shutouts among all goalies in the league. Meanwhile, Scott Wedgewood has also been making solid contributions in goal, with a record of 7-7-3, a 2.91 GAA, and a .913 SV%.

Overall, the Stars are in a strong position this season. They currently hold the top spot in the Central division, and they have the most points in the Western Conference. With a very good offense, strong defense, and outstanding goaltending, they are considered to be legitimate Stanley Cup contenders. While their recent struggles on offense are cause for concern, the team has a number of standout players who can make a difference in any given game. As they continue to compete against some of the best teams in the league, the Stars will need to maintain their strong play in all areas of the game in order to achieve their ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup.

INJURIES: Joel Kiviranta: out (lower body).

BETTING TRENDS

Chicago are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games against Dallas.

Chicago are 4-11 SU in their last 15 games on the road.

The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas.

Chicago are 7-13 SU in their last 20 games against an opponent in the Western Conference conference..

The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Dallas' last 10 games.

Dallas are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games.

The total has gone OVER in 9 of Dallas' last 10 games against Chicago.

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas' last 5 games at home.

Prediction

The Chicago Blackhawks are in a tough spot as they head to face the Dallas Stars. Not only do they have a poor overall record, but their struggles on the road have been a significant issue this season. With a record of 7-16-2 away from home, the Blackhawks have found it difficult to find success in hostile environments. Additionally, their struggles on the defensive end have been a major cause for concern, as they have allowed an average of 2.85 goals per game this season.

Furthermore, the Blackhawks are on the end of a back-to-back, which could further add to their fatigue and make it even harder to secure a victory on the road. The team's lack of success on the road combined with their recent form, having lost seven out of their last ten games, doesn't bode well for them in this matchup.

Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars have some advantages that could help them secure a victory. They have the rest advantage, having had a day off before this matchup, while the Blackhawks are on the back end of consecutive games. Additionally, the Stars will be playing at home, where they have found much more success this season. With a record of 15-8-4 at home, they have been able to establish a strong home-ice advantage.

It's also worth noting that the Stars are due for a bounce-back victory on their home ice after losing their last two games at home against tough opponents, the Boston Bruins and the Tampa Bay Lightning. With key players like Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Joe Pavelski leading the charge, the Stars have a potent attack that could cause significant problems for the Blackhawks.

PICK: Stars -1.5 (-140)

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