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The Dallas Stars are set to clash with the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 1 of the NHL Playoffs First Round on Monday night at American Airlines Center in Dallas at 9:30 p.m. EDT. The game will be broadcast on FX-CA, ESPN, SN360, TVAS, BSSW and SCRIPPS.
The Stars hold a season record of 52-21-9 and a home record of 26-11-4, leading the Central Division. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights have a season record of 45-29-8 and an away record of 18-17-6, ending the regular season fourth in the Pacific Division.
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The Vegas Golden Knights are looking to bounce back from three consecutive losses, including a 4-1 defeat at home to the Anaheim Ducks at T-Mobile Arena on April 18. On the other hand, the Dallas Stars are coming off a 2-1 shootout win at home against the St. Louis Blues, marking two consecutive victories.
The last time these two teams met at American Airlines Center, the Knights came out on top with a 6-1 victory over the Stars. The Knights have had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning the last four and seven of the previous 10 head-to-head games.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Dallas Stars: Game preview
The Dallas Stars have an impressive offensive record this season, with an average of 3.59 goals per game and ranking 3rd overall. On defense, they rank eighth in the NHL, conceding an average of 2.83 goals per game. Their power play efficiency is 24.2%, ranking them sixth in the league.
Wyatt Johnston leads the team's offense with 32 goals and 33 assists, totaling 65 points. Roope Hintz is close behind with 30 goals and 35 assists, also 65 points. Joe Pavelski has contributed 27 goals and 40 assists, for a total of 67 points.
Jason Robertson completes the offensive lineup with 29 goals and 51 assists for 80 points. Jake Oettinger holds a solid 35-14-4 record in goal, with a goals-against average of 2.72 and a save percentage of .905.
Conversely, the Golden Knights are ranked 13th for allowing an average of 3.21 goals per game, while conceding 2.96 per game, placing them 11th. Their power play success rate is 20.2%, which ranks them 20th in the league.
Jonathan Marchessault is the team's top scorer, with 42 goals, 27 assists, 69 points and 266 shots on goal. Jack Eichel has been a key contributor with 31 goals and 37 assists, totaling 68 points.
Mark Stone has added 16 goals and 37 assists for 53 points. William Karlsson has contributed 30 goals and 30 assists for 60 points. In net, Logan Thompson maintains a 25-14-5 record, with a 2.70 GAA and a .908 SV%.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Dallas Stars: Injury report
Alex Pietrangelo of the Golden Knights is day-to-day due to an illness, while William Carrier is sidelined with an upper-body injury.
On the other hand, Jani Hakanpaa of the Stars is out of action due to a lower-body injury.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Dallas Stars: Head-to-head and significant numbers
The two teams have faced each other 17 times in both the regular season and the playoffs. The Golden Knights have an overall record of 11-3-3 against the Stars.
In faceoffs, the Stars have a win rate of 54.0%, ranking them second, while the Golden Knights have a win rate of 50.2%, placing them 17th.
The Stars, ranked eighth, have an 82.0% success rate on penalty kills, while the Golden Knights, ranked 16th, have a success rate of 79.3%.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Dallas Stars: Odds and prediction
Dallas has won 35 of 47 games as betting favorites this season and has gone 48-24 with odds less than -137, giving it a 57.8% probability of winning this contest.
Meanwhile, the Golden Knights have been labeled underdogs in 28 games and have upset their opponents 14 times. With +116 odds or longer, Vegas holds a record of 5-4, which means it has a 46.3% chance of winning this game.
Prediction: Stars 4 - 2 Golden Knights
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Dallas Stars: Betting tips
Tip 1: Stars to win
Tip 2: Total goals over 5: Yes
Tip 3: Wyatt Johnston to score anytime: Yes
Tip 4: Jason Robertson to assist first: Yes
Tip 5: Golden Knights to beat the spread: No
