Overview
The Dallas Stars visit the PNC Arena in Carolina where they take on the Hurricanes. The Stars have played the Hurricanes well over the past few years winning 10 of the last 14 meetings overall and 3 of the last 4 played in Carolina.
Head to Head Trends
Stars are 10-4 in the last 14 meetings.
Home team is 16-5-2 in the last 23 meetings.
Carolina Hurricanes (+120)
The Carolina Hurricanes are 7th in the Metropolitan Division with just 10 points which is actually tied for 3rd worst in the entire Eastern Conference. The Hurricanes had a bit of a rough start losing 6 of their first 8 games this season but it looks like they’re starting to play better winning 3 of their last 4 games. The Hurricanes play some pretty solid defensive hockey allowing 25.9 shots and 2.83 goals per game but offense is their problem averaging just 2.17 goals per game. The Hurricanes may also be a little better then their record would suggest as they have played just 4 games on home ice this season versus 8 games on the road.
Carolina Hurricanes Trends
Hurricanes are 16-36 in their last 52 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Hurricanes are 3-9 in their last 12 vs. Western Conference.
The Dallas Stars are 1st in the Central Division with 20 points which is also good for the best record in the Western Conference. The Stars have been red hot to start the season winning 10 of their first 13 games and so far they are looking like one of the strongest teams in the league and I would say a maybe frontrunner for the Stanley Cup. The Stars have probably the best offense in the league which is obviously great but if you want to win a lot of games and make a deep run in the playoffs you need great defense/goaltending. Right now the Stars defense is looking ok at best allowing 2.85 goals per game which is just 20th best in the league and I think you want to be top 10 to be a legit contender for the Cup.
Dallas Stars Trends
Stars are 13-3 in their last 16 road games.
Stars are 10-4 in their last 14 vs. a team with a losing record.
Conclusion
I’m going with the Dallas Stars over the Hurricanes in this one. I think the Hurricanes might actually be a half decent team but I think they are just totally out gunned in this one and will have a hard time keeping up with the Stars offense.
Free Pick: Dallas Stars -130
