Arizona Coyotes vs Dallas Stars Predictions

Dallas continues its quest for the top spot in the Western Conference, as it takes on the visiting Arizona Coyotes for the third and final time this season. Can the Stars take care of business in front of their home crowd? Or will the Coyotes complete the sweep against them? Read on as we break down this crucial clash.

Craving for some more NHL action? Check out our other previews: New Jersey vs. Florida and Vancouver vs. San Jose.

Arizona Coyotes vs. Dallas Stars Preview

Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX

When: Friday, March 31, 2016, 8:30 PM ET

Line: Arizona Coyotes (+1.5) at Dallas Stars (-1.5); total: 5.5 – view all NHL lines

TV Broadcast(s): FSAZ, FSSW

Betting on the Arizona Coyotes (34-35-7)

At the start of the season, many thought that this could finally be the rise of the Arizona Coyotes. They won their first three regular-season games, which includes victories against powerhouse clubs like Los Angeles and Anaheim. But now, the Coyotes are in a rough situation, as a loss in tonight’s matchup with the Dallas Stars would officially eliminate them from the playoffs.

However, the Coyotes can take pride in the fact that they’ll be the ones aiming for a sweep in the season series after beating the Western Conference front-runners just last week. Martin Hanzal led the way with two goals to eventually notch the 3-1 victory. And needless to say, he might just be able to deliver the goods again later.

Besides Hanzal, Shane Doan and Anthony Duclair are bound to play key roles in this contest. Doan, who was forced to sit out Monday’s match with Calgary due to concussion-like symptoms, is expected to make his return. He leads the team in goals this season with 26 and owns a solid track record opposite the Stars, garnering a total of 69 points (32 goals, 37 assists) across 105 career games.

Duclair, meanwhile, heads into this bout having scored two goals along with three assists in the last four outings. He’s also played relatively well on the road with eight goals and nine helpers through 36 games.

And over on defense, the Coyotes will put their trust in Mike Smith to hold strong between the pipes. Smith has gone 4-1-0 with a 1.20 GAA and .965 SV% since returning from a core muscle injury. But it’ll be interesting to see how he’ll fare opposite the Stars, who rank No. 1 in the league with 3.25 goals per game.

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Betting on the Dallas Stars (46-22-9)

It’s going to be crucial game for the Dallas Stars as well. Yes, they’ve already secured a postseason berth but the top spot in the Western Conference and Central Division is still up for grabs. The Stars are currently tied with St. Louis with 101 points apiece and they’ll try to break that with a victory tonight against the Arizona Coyotes.

Dallas will really need to be at its best here, as the Coyotes have gotten the better of them in the first two meetings with a 9-4 total score. Captain Jamie Benn, in particular, has been limited to just two points in those losses to Arizona. But he might be able to finally come alive as he’s managed to score three goals in his last two games. Benn has also accumulated 49 points (28 goals, 21 helpers) in over 38 home games this season.

Patrick Sharp and Jason Spezza are bound to make their presences known, too. Both have combined for 63 goals and 68 assists this season. Spezza, in particular, has been hot lately as he scored his ninth goal in 13 games during Tuesday night’s win over Nashville.

Meanwhile, Kari Lehtonen will be minding the net for the Stars. Lehtonen, who is 23-10-2 with a 2.81 GAA and .906 SV% this season, stopped 28-of-30 shots against the Predators. But prior to that contest, he was victimized by the Coyotes last week, allowing a total of three goals.