Welcome to the latest edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, our team here at Last Word on Hockey breaks down head-to-head matchups and other key elements that may influence the outcome of each game. This edition of NHL Predictions dives into the Tuesday, January 7, 2025 matchup between the Dallas Stars and the New York Rangers.
NHL Predictions
Dallas Stars vs. New York Rangers
Head-to-Head: Rangers 1-0 Stars
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Victory+; ESPN+; Sportsnet; MSG
The Dallas Stars and New York Rangers meet for the second time this season as the Stars travel to Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night.
New York beat Dallas 3-1 in Dallas less than three weeks ago (December 20, 2024). At the time, the Stars offence was struggling to find consistency in its scoring and ran into a buzzsaw in Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin. Shesterkin stopped 41 shots in the game after an early goal from Stars forward Roope Hintz.
Dallas went 0-for-7 on the power play. Forwards Reilly Smith, Vincent Trocheck, and Chris Kreider scored three unanswered goals to lead the Rangers to a road win. Still, the Stars have won four of the last seven meetings between the clubs and have built momentum offensively in recent games.
With that in mind, take a look at this NHL Prediction.
Dallas Stars Story
The Dallas Stars have won four games in a row and climbed into a third-place tie with the Colorado Avalanche in the Central Division. While offensive struggles, particularly on the power play, and some questionable defensive moments have been much of the talk this season, Dallas’ 49 points through 38 games is the same amount it had at this point last season.
The Stars scoring had been coming mostly from one line during the season’s early stages, but others seem to have found their games at the start of 2025. Dallas has scored at least three goals in each game during its winning streak. Over recent seasons, three goals appears to be the benchmark for teams to reach to have a better chance to win the game, and Dallas’ latest run provides more proof.
Captain Jamie Benn has scored in three of his last four games. Jason Robertson has seven points in that same span. Wyatt Johnston has four points in January already, and Hintz has three goals since December 31. If they can continue their current rise, the Stars will be difficult to stop.
New York Rangers Story
The Rangers had a hot start to the season but cooled off rapidly. Shesterkin signed a contract extension, but other team members were quickly traded.
Now, New York sits in a tie for last place in the Metropolitan Division, yet still has a chance at a wild card spot in a jumbled Eastern Conference. However, the Rangers have not strung together many consecutive wins since their great start — posting a 3-7 mark in their last 10 games.
The Rangers put up six goals against the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday. Smith and Trocheck both scored, while forward Filip Chytil scored twice. Chytil has five points (four goals and an assist) in his last four games. That kind of game has not been common for the Rangers this year. They are 20th in the NHL at 2.90 goals per game and only have one other win with six or more goals.
New York also recently claimed forward Arthur Kaliyev off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings.
Prediction
Dallas has not been a good road team like it was last year, but the Stars seem to be building momentum. This is their best offensive outburst this season, and this time, Shesterkin is on injured reserve. Conversely, the Rangers have struggled and desperately need a win. Desperation and a home-ice advantage can be dangerous to opposing teams, giving New York a shot at the season sweep. However, this edition of NHL Predictions gives Dallas the win because it appears to be turning a corner, and New York is facing less than ideal circumstances.
NHL Predictions: Stars win 4-2
Prop Bets of the Night
Forward Evgenii Dadonov (+325 any time goal) has been a crucial contributor for the Stars this season, quietly putting together the best season of his career. He is not known as a prolific goal-scorer but has a history of playing well against the Rangers in Madison Square Graden. I also like Matt Duchene (+250) and Trocheck (+225) in this one.
Main Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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