Canadiens vs. Stars NHL Odds, Prediction and Picks: Fowler Faces Oettinger in Goaltending Showdown
The Habs are a perfect 3-0 on their current road trip, as they stop in Dallas, Texas, to take on the Stars Thursday night.
Dallas just had a five-game win streak snapped in Tuesday night’s 5-1 loss at home to the New Jersey Devils. That sixth win would have pushed them into second place in the Central Division, so they remain in third. The Canadiens have climbed into second place in the Atlantic following their hot streak.
The NHL Odds have the Stars as the -165 favourites at home, with the OVER/UNDER set at an even 6 goals. Puck drop is set for 8:00 pm EST at American Airlines Center.
Canadiens vs. Stars NHL Betting Odds
In their two-game season series last year, both games hit the OVER, with each team grabbing a win as the visitors. In their first meeting last season, Dallas thumped the Habs 7-0, but the Habs redeemed themselves with a 4-3 overtime win in their second and final meeting. Jason Robertson picked up two goals and two assists for Dallas.
Strong defensive games have the Habs on their three-game win streak, allowing just two goals in that stretch. They have not scored much, just enough to win, hitting the UNDER in all three games, putting their record on the OVER/UNDER at 7-5. They have covered the spread in five games, four of which have come in their past five contests.
Dallas has been the best defensive team all season, sitting at a league-best two goals against per game. They gave up five in their last outing for the first time on the campaign. They have hit the OVER exactly once this season in 12 games, while covering the spread six times.
Montreal Canadiens
Three straight wins are a season high for the Habs after blanking the St. Louis Blues 2-0 on Tuesday night. What has been even more impressive is the fact that they are doing this without Nick Suzuki, their captain and best player.
After a scoreless first, Zack Bolduc (fifth) got the Canadiens on the board, and Florian Xhekaj scored his first career goal in the third to put Montreal ahead by two early in the third. Rookie sensation Jacob Fowler put the team on his back for the rest of the night, finishing the night by stopping all 46 shots he faced.
21-year-old Fowler has been absolutely brilliant in goal for Montreal this season, taking over for the struggling Jakub Dobes. After playing 17 games last season, Fowler has stolen the starting job this season, starting each of the team’s past three games, getting him to seven on the season. His numbers are immaculate, posting a 1.54 goals-against average, a .942 save percentage, two shutouts and a 6-1 record.
Dallas Stars
After winning five straight, Dallas turned to backup goalie Casey DeSmith on Tuesday when they hosted the New Jersey Devils. Jersey went up 3-0 at the midway point of the game before Justin Hryckowian got the Stars on the board with his second of the season. The Devils would add two more before the end of the game for the 5-1 final.
Tuesday was DeSmith’s third start of the season, going 1-2 with an .888 save percentage and a 2.94 goals against average. Expect Jake Oettinger back in goal versus Montreal on Thursday. Oettinger has been the best goalie in the league so far; with nine games in the books, he’s rocking a 1.43 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage. Check for his name on the Vezina odds.
Dallas’ goal scoring has been holding them back this season, producing just 2.67 goals per game, the eighth-lowest in the league. Their shooting percentage sits at just 9.9%, which proves they are due for a better fate, considering the talent on this roster.
MON
DAL