The second round playoff clash of the Stanley Cup between the Dallas Stars and the Winnipeg Jets will take place on May 18 at the American Airlines Center. The series score is 3-2 in favor of Dallas. Dallas vs. Winnipeg: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Dallas Stars
Peter DeBoer's team suffered a 0-4 defeat in the last away game of the series, marking their sixth loss in the last eight away playoff games in regular time and their second shutout in the current series. Notably, Dallas boasts one of the best penalty kills in this Stanley Cup run (86.1%), while also being a leader in power play efficiency (29%).
- Dallas has not scored more than three goals in regular time in 4 of their last 5 NHL home games.
- The team has won five consecutive home games in the league (1 in OT).
- At least six goals have been scored in regular time in 6 of the last 7 NHL games at Dallas' home ice.
Winnipeg Jets
The club reduced the series deficit with their seventh home victory in their last eight NHL games (2 in OT). Five players from the home team earned two points each, with Nikolaj Ehlers notably scoring a double. It's worth mentioning that Winnipeg scored twice on the power play, despite being among the worst in this Stanley Cup run (18.6%). Additionally, the club currently has the highest goals against in this playoff with 38 goals conceded.
- Winnipeg has not scored more than two goals in regular time in 6 of their last 9 NHL meetings at Dallas' venue.
- The team has lost after three periods in their last five away games in the league.
- No more than five goals have been scored in regular time in 4 of the last 5 NHL games involving Winnipeg.
Dallas vs. Winnipeg: Match Prediction
It's not surprising that Winnipeg managed to secure a win at home; however, expecting more from them seems unlikely moving forward. The club struggles on the road and has lost all away games in regular time in this playoff. Conversely, Dallas has been quite stable at home, boasting a five-game winning streak in this Stanley Cup run (1 in OT). Additionally, they have not lost two consecutive games in this playoff, and being on the verge of reaching the semifinals, it seems improbable that they will slip now.
I believe Dallas will be determined to finish the series in the upcoming match, especially on their home ice. As hosts, the club has won 4 of the last 6 NHL meetings. Throughout this series, Peter DeBoer's team has appeared more convincing, in my opinion, so I don't expect them to give another chance to an opponent that consistently loses on the road in this playoff.
Based on these facts, my prediction: Dallas Stars to win
