Dallas vs Carolina: The Stars are now more motivated and determined

The Stars are ready to climb into the playoff zone. Rick Bowness’s team is only 2 points away from top-4 Nashville with two games to spare. It would have been hard to believe just 1.5-2 months ago that they would play like that in the division. Dallas will play their next game at home against Carolina. Will the Stars stop a contentious opponent again?

Dallas and the contender itself

How else can you characterize the team that won the Western Conference last season? Moreover, Dallas was catching up due to some circumstances. First, the crumpled preparation for the season due to the covid that overtook the team shortly before the first match, then another outbreak in the middle of the championship. Also, a series of injuries, which, rather, was the result of the first two circumstances.

Both Radulov and Seguin are still out of the game. And if the Russian is not expected this season, then the Canadian, judging by the initial recovery time, should have already returned. So far, however, although the 29-year-old striker has finally begun to warm up, his return has been postponed.

Both Kiviranta, last year’s playoff opener, and goalie Ben Bishop are out. But Dallas is doing surprisingly well without so many core players - 6 wins in their last 7 games. Rick Bowness has an ace up his sleeve - his name is Jason Robertson, 22, and he’s in his first full season in the league with 37 points on a goal+assist system. It looks like Kirill Kaprizov won’t get the Calder Trophy after all.

Carolina secure the top spot

In their last 12 games, the Hurricanes, although they have suffered many defeats, have only lost a game once in regulation time. Rod Brind’Amour’s team reached first place in the Central Division, 2 points behind Florida and 3 points behind Tampa with two games to play. Well, I guess the Hurricanes need it.

For sure. Carolina are one of the youngest teams to qualify for the playoffs. Of those who will be in the postseason, only Colorado have a lower average age. So, success in the regular season can give a still inexperienced team confidence. Let’s see, while the Hurricanes, at least, get closer and closer to it.

Expert Betting Tips

Yes, the score in the season series as a whole is smashing, but Dallas have beaten Carolina in 2 of the last 3 games. The Stars have tasted the victory, some killer hockey is shown by the new first unit (Hintz, Pavelski and Robertson) and already at the end of the upcoming game the Texans can catch up with Nashville in the table. Carolina are without half of its roster for the time being, and it looks like they won’t be complaining if something goes wrong in Dallas - their playoff spot is secured, and the No. 1 spot in the division is not going anywhere because nobody needs it but the Hurricanes. The prediction is for Dallas to win as the more motivated and determined team right now.

Betting options:

• Dallas win the match with odds of about 2.10;
• Dallas Individual TO 2.5 for about 1.90;
• Dallas will not lose and TO 4.5 for almost 3.00.