Before Wednesday night, anyone looking at Pittsburgh Penguins stats would have said the team is on a spiral and likely heading to a spot firmly outside the playoffs. However, Penguins vs Stars odds showed Pittsburgh pulled itself together to pick up an important win. The Penguins cruised 5-2 over Colorado to get a much-needed two points and start to trend in the right direction.
Pittsburgh’s job won’t get much easier against Dallas Thursday. The Stars are in an intense battle with Minnesota for first place in the Central Division. With each team knotted up at 90 points, Dallas can’t afford to give away many points at home.
Welcoming Pittsburgh off a back-to-back in a key spot in the NHL schedule for both teams should make for a compelling matchup.
Pittsburgh vs. Dallas Odds
NHL odds show that Dallas is -162 on the moneyline. The Penguins are +140. The over/under has been set at 6.5 goals.
Pittsburgh vs. Dallas Matchup Information
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Dallas Stars
Location of the Game: American Airlines Center. Dallas, TX.
Date and Time: Thursday, March 24, 2023.
How to Watch: ESPN+
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Dallas Stars Betting Preview
Pittsburgh
When it comes to NHL teams, the Penguins have been decent as of late as an underdog. The Penguins are 2-3 over their past five games when they aren’t favored. What made Pittsburgh’s win over Colorado so surprising was that the Penguins had allowed four or more goals three times during their four-game losing streak.
Penguins vs Stars odds show that Pittsburgh carried the play against Colorado. Pittsburgh won 58.7 percent of the faceoffs and outshot the Avalanche 45-31. NHL player stats show Sidney Crosby scored a goal to pick up his 30th of the season against Colorado. Jeff Carter, who has been much criticized recently for his poor play, netted two goals.
Pittsburgh’s defense played well despite having three defensemen on the NHL injury report. Marcus Pettersson is on the injured reserve, Jeff Petry is day-to-day, and Jan Rutta is out.
Dallas
Anyone making Dallas Stars picks will see that the Stars have hit a rough patch. The Stars have lost three of their past four games and have played two overtime games in a row. Penguins vs Stars odds show Dallas is playing Pittsburgh in the middle of a three-game homestand.
The Stars’ biggest problem is they don’t have much breathing room in the NHL standings. Minnesota has pulled into a tie and has much more momentum than Dallas does. When things are going well for the Stars, they play crunching defense and have a strong offense.
Dallas averages 3.42 goals per game and only allows 2.76. The Stars are able to generate 32.3 shots per game on the net. NHL expert picks show Dallas also has a good power play, converting on 23.5 percent of its opportunities.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Dallas Stars Betting Picks
This game is one where making NHL picks indicate that the scoreline could go in a number of different directions. If Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry stumbles, Dallas could easily pile on goals and make this a wild one.
However, Pittsburgh is likely to try and keep a structured form and make sure it at least gets one point out of this game. The first game between the teams ended 2-1, and this game should have a similar scoreline.
When it comes to NHL games today, this should be a good spot for Dallas to grab two points. Pittsburgh played in Denver last night and is coming in on short rest. With the Penguins’ defensive core being banged up, it is hard to imagine Pittsburgh will be able to bring the same amount of energy as last night on the road.
- The Stars will grab a home win.
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