NHL Preview: Anaheim Ducks vs. Dallas Stars
The Anaheim Ducks (6-8-2) look to add onto their positive outlook when they visit the Dallas Stars (11-5-0) in Texas at the American Airlines Center on Monday, November 18 at 8:00 PM ET. The Stars are heavy favorites, but are an appealing puck line option at -2.5 (+120).
Anaheim Ducks Betting Preview
The Ducks are 2-3 over their last five games, but have some momentum on their side with a recent win. This was a 6-4 outing over the Detroit Red Wings, where the Ducks were down as many as two goals before storming their way back in the third period with four goals.
Olen Zellweger was one star player of this game, where he had a goal and two assists. Cutter Gautheir was also key here, as he landed the goal that officially put them ahead of the Red Wings and it was also his first NHL goal.
Both teams were even on eight penalty minutes and roughly the same on shot attempts. This will need to change if they want a chance at beating the Stars.
The Ducks are averaging 2.44 goals on 27.8 shots a game. They are allowing 3.13 goals from opponents who shoot 34.9 times on them each matchup. They cannot allow the Stars to get out to an early lead or be aggressive offensively.
Dallas Stars Betting Preview
The Stars have won their last three games and look to extend their streak while at home. Their recent success was a 2-1 outing over the Minnesota Wild, where Mason Marchment scored the winning goal for them.
Marchment led the Stars with both goals, while Filip Gustavsson had 38 saves (.950 saving percentage) for the Wild to keep this game close. If Gustavsson would have had a worse day, this game would have been a blowout.
They took an insane 40 shots in comparison to the Wild’s 29. If they can bring that same aggressive approach on offense against the Ducks, this could prove to be too much for the Ducks.
The Stars are averaging 3.38 goals per game while taking 31.3 shot attempts. On defense they are holding teams to 2.25 goals on 26.8 attempts. This is a healthy margin, but they cannot afford to let up against a struggling team.
Odds, Series Trends, and Free Pick
The NHL betting odds are brought to you by MyBookie for the Anaheim Ducks vs. Dallas Stars showdown. The odds have the Ducks as 2.5-puck line favorites, but are still strong favorites to win the game outright.
The Ducks have a solid opportunity to come out swinging after their latest victory. However, the Stars’ defense will be key in stopping the Ducks from gaining momentum. Look for the Stars to cover with strong offense.