Thursday’s NHL nightcap features a Western Conference tilt with the Vancouver Canucks hosting the Dallas Stars. NHL odds have this game as a pick ‘em while the total sits at six.
The Over has been the bet to make when these two teams have squared off over the past couple of seasons, going 7-3 over the past 10 meetings. There were six or more total goals scored in seven of those 10 outings.
Will the Over cash once again, or can the goaltending step up? Find out in my free NHL picks for Stars vs. Canucks on Thursday, March 28.
Stars vs Canucks odds
Stars vs Canucks predictions
There have been six or more total goals scored in eight of Dallas’ past 10 games, a trend that is a product of multiple variables. First, this offense has been on fire, averaging 4.5 goals per game over that 10-game stretch.
On the season, the Stars now rank in the top nine of the league in goals scored per game, power play percentage, and shooting percentage. Based on their underlying metrics, regression is unlikely as they rank eighth in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60).
While the defense has been good as well, inconsistent goaltending continues to present an issue for this team. Jake Oettinger is slated to guard the cage for Dallas and continues to sport a sub .900 SV% through 46 appearances in the crease this season.
However, he is not alone as goaltender Casey DeSmith is expected to start across the ice for Vancouver. Like Oettinger, DeSmith carries a sub-.900 SV% this year.
Also like Oettinger, DeSmith should get plenty of goal support as the Canucks rank fifth in goals scored per game and first in shooting percentage. Not to sound like a broken record with yet another similarity between the makeup of these two teams, but Vancouver ranks right alongside the Stars in the top half of the league in xGF/60.
These are two tremendous offenses, and a minimum of six goals should not be too difficult to come by.
My best bet: Over 6 (-115 at SIA)
Stars vs Canucks same-game parlay
While I expect plenty of firepower in this contest, a high-scoring affair will benefit Dallas more than Vancouver. This season, the Stars rank higher than the Canucks in goals scored per game, shots on goal per game, power play percentage, faceoff percentage and xGF/60.
They are also the better team defensively, at least in terms of analytics as they rank higher in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60). Finally, I give the goaltending edge to Dallas.
While I understand that Oettinger’s and DeSmith’s numbers are virtually identical this season, I would wager almost every one of you reading would also take Oettinger over DeSmith. Finally, Dallas ranks higher than Vancouver in expected goal differential per 60 minutes at 5-on-5.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Stars vs Canucks moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- SIA opened this game as a pick ‘em, which is where the price remains.
- They also opened the total at six, with slight juice toward the Over at a –115/-105 split.
- The total has closed at six or higher in each of the past five meetings between these two teams, with the Over going 3-2 over that stretch.
- Dallas has won 10 of its past 12 games.
Stars vs Canucks betting trend to know
There have been six or more total goals scored in each of Oettinger’s past seven starts. Find more NHL betting trends for Stars vs. Canucks.
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Stars vs Canucks game info
Location: | Rogers Arena, Vancouver, CA |
Date: | Thursday, March 28, 2024 |
Puck drop: | 10:00 p.m. ET |
TV: |
Bally Southwest, Sportsnet Pacific |
Stars vs Canucks latest injuries
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