Stars vs Canucks: Expert NHL Picks and Predictions 02/27/23

Odds

2021-2022 season stats

Preview

On Monday, February 27th, the Dallas Stars will host the Vancouver Canucks at the American Airlines Center. These teams haven't faced each other this season but they faced 3 times last season and the Canucks won all of the 3 games.

Vancouver Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks are in a tough spot this season, sitting in sixth place in the Pacific Division and unlikely to make the playoffs. However, they have some talented players who could make a difference in their upcoming games. One of their top performers is Quinn Hughes, who has been the team's most consistent player this season with 49 assists and five goals. He is an excellent skater and has great vision on the ice, leading to many scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Another player who has been performing well for the Canucks recently is Jonathan Tanner Miller. He has two goals and 10 assists in the last ten games, contributing to the team's offensive efforts. However, the Canucks have struggled defensively this season, allowing an average of 3.45 goals per game, which is one of the worst in the league. They will need to tighten up their defense if they hope to compete against high-scoring teams like the Dallas Stars.

Injuries have been a significant issue for the Canucks this season, with key players like Thatcher Demko, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Tanner Pearson out of the lineup. Curtis Lazar and Luke Schenn are also day-to-day, and their absence could be a significant loss for the team. Injuries have made it challenging for the Canucks to maintain consistency, and it will be important for the remaining players to step up and fill the void left by their injured teammates.

The Canucks' recent form has been mixed, with a record of 3-5-2 in their last ten games. They have been averaging 3.4 goals, 6.1 assists, 3.1 penalties, and 6.5 penalty minutes per game. However, they have also been giving up an average of four goals per game, which is a concern for the team. The Canucks will need to improve their defense and limit their penalties if they want to compete in their upcoming games.

Although the Canucks may not make the playoffs this season, they still have the potential to cause upsets and win games. They have talented players like Hughes and Miller who can create scoring opportunities, and if their defense can improve, they could be a competitive team. In the remaining games of the season, it will be crucial for the Canucks to play with intensity and avoid further injuries if they want to end the season on a positive note.

Overall, the Canucks' tough season highlights the importance of consistency and avoiding injuries in the NHL. While they have some talented players, injuries and defensive struggles have made it challenging for them to compete in a highly competitive league. As the season winds down, the Canucks will need to focus on improving their defense and avoiding further injuries if they hope to finish the season on a positive note.

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

The total has gone OVER in 8 of Vancouver's last 10 games.

Vancouver are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games.

Vancouver are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games against Dallas.

The total has gone OVER in 7 of Vancouver's last 8 games on the road.

Vancouver are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas.

The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Dallas' last 13 games.

Dallas are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games.

The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas' last 5 games against Vancouver.

The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Dallas' last 10 games at home.

Prediction

The Canucks have had a difficult season, with injuries to key players and defensive struggles, allowing an average of 4 goals per game. Additionally, the Canucks are 20 points out of a playoff spot, and their recent record is 3-5-2 in their last ten games. In contrast, the Stars have been performing well this season and currently hold the top spot in the Central division with the most points in the Western Conference. They have a strong offense and outstanding goaltending, with a second-place ranking in the league in goals against per game. The Stars are considered to be legitimate Stanley Cup contenders, despite some recent offensive struggles, and they have a number of standout players who can make a difference in any given game. The Canucks have won all three games against the Stars last season, but the situation is quite different this time. Therefore, the odds also favor the Stars to win this game, with a money line of -255 compared to +226 for the Canucks. The Stars' spread is also -1.5, which suggests that they are likely to win by a comfortable margin. Overall, the Stars are the stronger team in this matchup, and their recent form suggests that they have a good chance of winning this game against the struggling Canucks.

PICK: Stars -1.5 (-108) 

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