Dallas Stars at Columbus Blue Jackets Preview

The Dallas Stars have played just 22 games so far this season, and they have also managed just 21 total points. Dallas is currently in 7th place in the Central Division, but this team has a chance to make a late run.

The Blue Jackets have now lost three straight games, and they just look like a team heading in the wrong direction. Columbus has 26 points on the season, and they currently sit in fifth place in the Central Division.

The Dallas Stars are -125 in this matchup with the Blue Jackets on Saturday. 

Stars Shutting Down Opponents

The Dallas Stars might not do a ton of things well this season, but keeping pucks out of their net has been their specialty. Dallas is allowing just 2.43 goals per game, and they will be looking to slow down the pace on Saturday.

Center Joe Pavelski has been having a big offensive season for the Stars, but he has not gotten a ton of help from his teammates. The veteran leads the team with 13 goals and 24 points, and Dallas will need him to set the tone on Saturday.

The Stars are also converting on nearly 25 percent of their chances on the power-play, and the Blue Jackets must be disciplined in this game. Dallas has trouble scoring goals, and giving them a scoring opportunity is a major mistake. 

Columbus Continues to Struggle

The Columbus Blue Jackets just continue to struggle in most areas, and that has been evident during their three-game losing streak. Columbus is scoring just 2.6 goals per game while giving up more than 3.2 goals per contest.

Oliver Bjorkstrand leads the team with 10 goals and 12 assists, but there just aren’t enough scoring options for this Blue Jackets team. Every time Columbus appears to have figured things out, a long losing streak ensues.

Goaltender Joonas Korpisalo will likely be in net for Columbus on Saturday, and he does have the potential to steal a game. At this point, the Blue Jackets will take a win any way that they can get one. 

Two Teams Looking to Win

Both the Blue Jackets and Stars could really use a win in this game, and it could lead to a winning streak for either team. Columbus should have a slight edge on home ice, but that hasn’t really mattered much this season.

Dallas was in the Stanley Cup Finals a season ago, but COVID-19 has really affected their 2021 season up to this point. The Stars have more talent than the Blue Jackets, and that is going to force Columbus to try to win this game with some grit.

Don’t expect a ton of goal-scoring in this game, and that will give the Blue Jackets a chance to win the game late. Columbus is going to win one of these close games at some point, and Saturday could be a great opportunity to do just that.