Chicago Blackhawks vs. Dallas Stars Predictions, Picks and NHL Preview – February 6, 2016

The Central has been the tightest division in the NHL this season. It could get even tighter when the Dallas Stars host the current leaders, the Chicago Blackhawks. The Stars have seemingly sorted out some of the problems that plagued them last month, and should come in with a lot of confidence.  Can they close that three-point gap on the defending champs with a big win in Big D?

Read on for our preview of this crucial Central Division showdown. And for more of Saturday’s sizzling hot NHL action, check out our preview of the Rangers vs. Flyers.

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Chicago Blackhawks vs. Dallas Stars Preview

Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas

When: Saturday, February 6, 8:00 PM ET

Line: Chicago Blackhawks at Dallas Stars – view all NHL lines

TV Broadcast: WGN/FSSW

Betting on the Chicago Blackhawks (35-16-4, 74 pts)

After dropping three of their last four games of January, the Chicago Blackhawks have gone back to winning ways to start the month of February as they beat the Colorado Avalanche (2-1) and the Arizona Coyotes (5-4, OT). Captain Jonathan Toews snapped a five-game pointless drought against Arizona as he scored two goals, including the game-winner in overtime.

After struggling to get shots off during their mini-drought, the Blackhawks have peppered the goals of their past two opponents with over 40 shots each. Rookie Artemi Panarin has been a big reason for that offense’s resurgence. He recorded eight shots on goal in those two games, as well as four points (one goal, three assists).

With Toews, Panarin and top Art Ross candidate Patrick Kane (75 points) leading the charge, the Blackhawks have more than enough firepower to hang with the high-scoring Stars in Dallas.

Goaltending remains a bit of an issue, though, with Corey Crawford turning in some uneven performances in his last few starts. He gave up three goals in just 16 shots against the Hurricanes, and four in 28 against the Coyotes. His backup Scott Darling hasn’t fared too well either. Darling has given up 13 goals in four games, which sandwiched two solid outings to start December.

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Betting on the Dallas Stars (33-14-5, 71 pts)

The Dallas Stars are slowly starting to get their season back on track. After a disastrous January where they went 3-7-1, the Stars have now won three in a row, including their first two post All-Star game against Winnipeg (5-3) and Colorado (4-3, OT).

Defenseman John Klingberg has sparked back into life with goals in both games. Meanwhile, Tyler Seguin bagged two goals against the Avs, a promising sign after recording just three points all of last month.

On the other end, though, their defense continues to leak in goals. They’ve given up less than two goals just once in their last 10 games.

However, their two goalies – Kari Lehtonen and Antti Niemi – have recorded a shutout in each of their last starts against the Blackhawks. But if the Stars offense, which is No. 2 in the NHL with 3.25 goals per game, plays up to its potential, goaltending will not be much of a problem.

Dallas has scored 14 goals in its last three games against Chicago, 13 of which were against Corey Crawford. Unsurprisingly, the Stars won all three games.

Writer’s Prediction

The Stars edge out the Blackhawks once again in a 5-3 shootout.

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