Nashville Predators vs Dallas Stars Picks and Predictions April 16th 2025

Stars Seek Reset, Predators Seek Redemption in Regular-Season Finale

As the 2024 NHL regular season wraps, Wednesday’s clash between the Dallas Stars and Nashville Predators may not change the standings — but it offers both teams one final chance to shift momentum. The Stars desperately need to snap a six-game skid before entering the postseason, while the Predators aim to give their fans a final win in what has been a disappointing campaign.

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Stars Sliding Into Playoffs With Defensive Woes

The Dallas Stars (50-25-6, 106 points) are locked into second place in the Central Division and will face the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the playoffs. But their recent form is raising red flags: Dallas is winless in six (0-4-2), having allowed 29 goals over that stretch, including a 6-4 loss in Detroit on Monday.

“We want to come into the playoffs with our game in a good spot,” said forward Wyatt Johnston, who set career highs with 33 goals and 71 points this season.

Coach Pete DeBoer faces a tough decision — whether to rest stars or go full throttle to regain rhythm. Tyler Seguin is expected back for the playoffs after a long layoff, while Mason Marchment (illness) and defenseman Thomas Harley are uncertain for Wednesday.

In net, Jake Oettinger and Casey DeSmith are both struggling. Oettinger has surrendered 12 goals during an 0-2-1 stretch, and DeSmith has given up 15 goals over his last three starts.

DeBoer hinted at possibly rolling out his full lineup for one final tune-up before Game 1.

“At this time of year, do you dress guys and try to win games or do you rest guys and prepare for (Game 1)?” DeBoer pondered.

Despite their slide, Dallas has won two of three against Nashville this season. Former Predator Matt Duchene — now with the Stars — tallied three assists against his old squad, though he’s been quiet over the last three games.

Predators Play for Pride in Season’s Final Bow

For Nashville (29-44-8, 66 points), it’s about salvaging a bitter season with a win at home. The Predators will finish with under 70 points in a full season for the first time since 2001-02 and rank last in the league in scoring with 209 goals.

“It stings every time not being able to make [the playoffs],” said forward Michael Bunting, who’s heating up with five points in his last four games. “But… play in front of our fans one last time and try to get a win for them.”

Their most recent outing, a 7-4 home loss to the Utah Hockey Club, was emblematic of a 4-12-1 late-season collapse. Ryan O’Reilly scored his 20th goal in that loss, while offseason acquisition Steven Stamkos has managed just 52 points — his second-lowest output in a full season since 2008.

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Stamkos does have a goal and assist versus Dallas this season but has struggled with consistency, much like the rest of Nashville’s lineup.

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One Final Test Before the Postseason

With Dallas searching for stability and Nashville looking for closure, Wednesday’s finale offers different motivations but similar stakes in terms of pride, performance, and confidence. The Stars want to stop the bleeding before facing a dangerous Avalanche squad. The Predators just want to reward their fans with one last win.