Dallas Stars vs Nashville Predators: Key Injuries and Stats Shape Crucial Central Division Clash

The Dallas Stars face the Nashville Predators on Saturday, November 8. This Central Division matchup takes place at Bridgestone Arena. Both teams are dealing with significant injuries to key players. The outcome could hinge on special teams and individual performances.

According to USA TODAY Sportsbook Wire, the Stars hold a statistical edge in power play efficiency. The Predators counter with a stronger penalty kill. This game is critical for positioning within the competitive division.

Injury Report Creates Lineup Challenges

The Stars will be without several important contributors. Matt Duchene is out with an upper-body injury. Jamie Benn remains on injured reserve and has not played this season.

Nils Lundkvist is also sidelined with a lower-body issue. His absence tests the team’s defensive depth. These injuries force younger players into larger roles.

The Predators have their own health concerns. Defenseman Roman Josi is out with an upper-body injury. Cole Smith is also unavailable for the game.

Adam Wilsby is considered day-to-day. Nashville must rely on its roster depth. The team’s resilience will be tested.

Statistical Breakdown and Team Trends

Dallas enters the game with a 7-4-3 record. They have 17 points in the standings. The team ranks fourth in the Central Division.

Nashville holds a 5-7-4 record. They have collected 14 points so far. The Predators currently sit in sixth place in the division.

Special teams tell a compelling story. The Stars boast an impressive 34% power play conversion rate. This ranks among the league’s best.

Nashville’s power play operates at just 14.3%. The Predators’ penalty kill succeeds 82% of the time. Dallas kills penalties at a 70.5% rate.

Recent history favors the Stars. Dallas has won nine of the last thirteen meetings. They have also won five of their last six games in Nashville.

Key Players and Performance Streaks

Wyatt Johnston is the Stars’ emerging star. The 22-year-old is on a career-best scoring streak. He has recorded three points in consecutive games.

Johnston has 17 points in 14 games this season. He is second in team scoring. His nine goals include several power-play markers.

Mikko Rantanen consistently performs against Nashville. He averages 1.13 points per game versus the Predators. Rantanen has seven points in his last five meetings.

Jason Robertson has 28 points in 25 games against Nashville. That is his highest output against any opponent. He recorded two assists in the last matchup.

Filip Forsberg leads the Predators’ offense. He has 12 points this season. Forsberg holds the franchise record for goals.

Team Dynamics and Betting Outlook

Dallas leads the NHL in blocked shots. They average 17 blocks per game. This shows their commitment to team defense.

Nashville ranks near the bottom in blocked shots. They average just 11.8 per contest. This could be a key area to watch.

BetMGM lists Dallas as the favorite. The moneyline sits at -160 for the Stars. Nashville is the underdog at +135.

The over/under for total goals is set at six. This suggests expectations for a moderate scoring game. Both teams have trends supporting this line.

The Stars face Seattle next. Nashville looks to rebound after this contest. Every division point matters this early in the season.

This Central Division showdown features two teams navigating injury challenges while seeking crucial points. The Dallas Stars versus Nashville Predators matchup will test both teams’ depth and special teams execution. The result could signal early momentum in the divisional race.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is injured for the Dallas Stars?

Matt Duchene, Jamie Benn, and Nils Lundkvist are all out. Duchene has an upper-body injury. Benn remains on injured reserve.

What is the Stars’ power play percentage?

Dallas converts on 34% of its power play opportunities. That ranks among the best in the NHL. They have scored 17 power-play goals.

How has Wyatt Johnston performed recently?

Johnston is on a career-best point streak. He has three points in back-to-back games. He leads the team with nine goals.

What are the betting odds for the game?

Dallas is favored at -160 according to BetMGM. Nashville is the underdog at +135. The over/under for total goals is six.

Which team has the better penalty kill?

Nashville has the stronger penalty kill at 82%. Dallas kills penalties at a 70.5% rate. This could be a key factor in the game.

Who leads Nashville in scoring?

Filip Forsberg leads the Predators with 12 points. He has six goals and six assists. He holds the franchise goals record.