Dallas Stars vs Anaheim Ducks: Pre-Match Insights and Betting Odds

The Dallas Stars are set to face the Anaheim Ducks in an NHL clash at the American Airlines Center on November 18, 2024. The Stars, boasting a robust home record of 7-1-0, seek to extend their current three-game winning streak. In contrast, the Ducks aim to build momentum following a recent victory, but they have struggled on the road this season, holding a 2-3-2 record.

Entering the match, the Stars sit third in the Central Division with 22 points, while the Ducks occupy the seventh spot in the Pacific Division with 14 points. Dallas leads the way in goals-against average, holding opponents to just 2.25 per game, making them the top team in this category. Conversely, Anaheim has found scoring challenging, ranking 29th with only 2.44 goals per game.

Dallas Stars’ forward Logan Stankoven has been impressive, currently second in rookie scoring, and is a strong candidate for the Calder Trophy. With 14 points, including 4 goals and 10 assists in 16 games, Stankoven is described by his coach, Pete DeBoer, as «a high engine» player capable of sparking any line. Fellow Star Matt Duchene leads the team with 20 points, while goaltender Jake Oettinger has maintained high performance with a record of 9-3, a 2.27 goals-against average, and a .917 save percentage.

On the other side, Anaheim’s offensive efforts are spearheaded by Troy Terry, who leads the team with 12 points. Young forward Leo Carlsson and seasoned player Ryan Strome also contribute significantly, but the Ducks’ defensive vulnerabilities have left them near the bottom in penalty kill success, only stopping 66.7% of opponents’ power plays.

From a betting standpoint, the Stars are favored, and analysts recommend betting on Dallas to win by margin due to Anaheim’s lackluster road performance and Dallas’ solid defensive record. Chris Ruffolo, a sports analyst, suggests taking Dallas -1.5, citing their consistent performance as a determining factor.