Stars Eye Central Division Crown Against Struggling Predators

DALLAS, Texas — The Dallas Stars host the Nashville Predators tonight, April 3, 2025, in a pivotal Central Division clash. With the playoffs approaching, the Stars are looking to solidify their position after an impressive season, currently boasting a record of 49-21-4. Meanwhile, the Predators sit at 27-40-8, struggling to find their footing this season.

The Stars come into the game ranked second in the Central Division with 102 points, standing as a favorite to secure the division title. Dallas has been dominant at home, posting a 27-7-2 record. In contrast, the Predators find themselves seventh in the division with just 62 points, suffering from a rough stretch of 2-7-1 in their last 10 games.

Stars forward Wyatt Johnston is on a scoring tear, having netted goals in five consecutive games. If he scores again tonight, it will mark the first time in his career he has achieved a six-game goal streak. Johnston’s current five-game streak is the longest active streak in the NHL.

“It’s step by step—systems and getting used to playing with instinct; it comes with time,” Johnston noted about his recent scoring success. “I hope to keep it rolling tonight.”

Filip Forsberg leads Nashville with 29 goals and 39 assists this season, having accumulated nine points in his last nine games. His contributions will be crucial as the Predators seek to upset the Stars on their home ice.

“We know it’s a tough matchup, but every game is a chance to prove ourselves,” Forsberg said. “We can’t let our records define how we play. We’re looking to build some momentum.”

Nashville has struggled offensively, averaging just 2.52 goals per game this season, the lowest in the NHL. In direct contrast, the Stars’ power play is firing on all cylinders with a 22.5 percent success rate.

Quick stats reveal that the Stars are also effective on the penalty kill, operating at 84.7 percent this season. In their previous 10 meetings, Dallas holds a significant upper hand, winning seven of those contests.

Stars Coach Pete DeBoer remains optimistic despite recent injuries in the squad, specifically concerning players like Miro Heiskanen and Tyler Seguin. “We’re hopeful to have them back as the playoffs approach, but their health is a priority,” DeBoer said. “We’ll adapt as we prepare for each game.”

In other key matchups today around the NHL, the stakes are high for teams jostling for playoff positioning as well. The Stars know that a win against Nashville is imperative as they chase the top seed, staying close to the Winnipeg Jets.

The puck drops at 7 p.m. CT at the American Airlines Center, and Stars fans are expected to fill the arena as they support their team on the path to the playoffs.