Dallas Stars vs Vancouver-canucks Picks and Predictions April 8th 2025

Dallas Stars Face Must-Win Scenario Against Vancouver

The Dallas Stars (50-22-5, 105 points) are locked in a fierce battle for first place in the Western Conference, trailing the Winnipeg Jets by just three points with five games remaining. To stay in the hunt, the Stars need to halt their current two-game losing skid, beginning with a critical matchup against the Vancouver Canucks (35-29-13, 83 points).

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Recent Setbacks Undermine Momentum

Dallas appeared to be peaking at the right time, coming off a seven-game winning streak, but recent losses to Pittsburgh (5-3) and Minnesota (3-2 OT) have disrupted their rhythm. In both defeats, the Stars struggled with discipline and execution—particularly on special teams. They’ve gone just 1-for-13 on the power play in their last four games and surrendered four power-play chances to the Wild on Sunday.

Coach Pete DeBoer acknowledged the shortcomings:

“We’ve got some things to clean up before the playoffs start.”

Power Play Woes Raise Red Flags

Dallas’s recent special teams struggles could prove costly. In postseason play, efficiency on the power play often separates contenders from pretenders. Despite generating opportunities, the Stars’ inability to convert has added pressure on their even-strength units to carry the load.

Stars’ Home Ice Advantage Remains a Key Asset

The Stars haven’t lost consecutive games at home since December and boast a strong home record. Goaltender Jake Oettinger is a major reason why. With 24 wins and a 2.08 GAA at home this season, Oettinger has won nine straight home starts, including a 26-save performance in a 5-3 win over Vancouver on January 31.

Matt Duchene and Offensive Weapons Provide Spark

Forward Matt Duchene continues to lead by example, notching eight points (2G, 6A) in a six-game point streak. He’s complemented by top scorers Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz, who’ve combined for five goals in two wins over Vancouver this season.

Canucks Search for Silver Lining in Tumultuous Finish

With their playoff hopes fading, the Canucks are playing for pride and development. Sitting eight points out of the final wild-card spot with five games to go, Vancouver must finish strong to build toward next season.

They’ve dropped four of their last five games (1-3-1), including a late 3-2 home loss to Vegas. Still, head coach Rick Tocchet emphasized the mental aspect of late-season adversity:

“How you handle adversity builds confidence. You can’t just turn on confidence. You build that.”

Injuries and Offensive Slump Hamper Vancouver

The absence of star forward Elias Pettersson and center Filip Chytil has dulled Vancouver’s attack. They’ve been held to two or fewer goals in three of their last four games, though Nils Hoglander has shown promise, contributing nine points in his last 11 games.

Goaltending Battle: Oettinger vs. Demko

Although Thatcher Demko hasn’t faced the Stars this season, his career record of 7-1-1 with a .924 SV% against Dallas makes him a potential game-changer. Conversely, Kevin Lankinen, who made 32 saves in Sunday’s loss to Vegas, is winless in his last four starts.

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Season Series Edge: Dallas

Dallas has already won the season series, including a 4-1 road victory on March 9 and a 5-3 home win on January 31. Defenseman Thomas Harley has also been a quiet force, with four points in his last four games vs. Vancouver.

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Final Thoughts

This matchup offers more than just another two points—it’s a test of character, depth, and resilience. The Dallas Stars need a bounce-back win to stay on track for the top seed, while the Canucks look to spoil the party and build morale for the future.

With home-ice momentum, a strong goaltender, and a clear path to redemption, expect Dallas to come out focused and hungry.