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Dallas Stars vs Winnipeg Jets Betting Preview
The Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets renew their Central Division rivalry Thursday night at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, opening their 2025-26 NHL seasons with a rematch of last spring’s playoff battle. The Stars eliminated the Jets 4–2 in the second round before advancing to their third straight Western Conference Final. Now, both clubs begin anew with lofty expectations. Puck drop is set for 8:00 PM ET on ESPN+.
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Oddsmakers have Dallas as slight -112 favorites, with Winnipeg listed at -107. The total sits at 5.5 goals (Over -116 / Under -105).
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Line Movement and Odds
This matchup opened near even, with both teams trading favorite status throughout the week. As of Thursday morning, most books have settled with Dallas a narrow -112 favorite, reflecting balanced betting. Roughly 52% of bets are on the Stars, while 55% of sharp money has landed on Winnipeg, indicating split opinions among bettors.
The total has stayed firm at 5.5, and early indicators suggest the under may attract more action given both teams’ elite goaltending — Connor Hellebuyck for the Jets and Jake Oettinger for the Stars.
“It requires hard work — all five guys have to buy in,” said new Jets winger Gustav Nyquist. “That’s the standard here.”
Matchup Breakdown
Dallas Stars Outlook
The Stars return most of the core that reached three straight conference finals. Jason Robertson (80 points) and Roope Hintz (68 points) headline a deep top six that includes Matt Duchene, Miro Heiskanen, and captain Jamie Benn, who is out with a lung injury. Jake Oettinger remains one of the NHL’s premier goaltenders after a 36-win season and a .914 save percentage. Dallas’ structure under new head coach Glen Gulutzan should remain strong defensively, and with their balanced offense, the Stars can grind out tight, low-scoring games early in the season.
Winnipeg Jets Outlook
The Jets look to build on last year’s Presidents’ Trophy campaign (56-22-4) and reassert their dominance in the Central. Winnipeg’s top line of Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele combined for 184 points last season, while defenseman Josh Morrissey continues to anchor the blue line. Connor signed a massive eight-year, $96 million extension Wednesday, underscoring his franchise-player status. Winnipeg, however, opens the season shorthanded — captain Adam Lowry (hip), Cole Perfetti (ankle), and Dylan Samberg (wrist) are all out. Still, with Connor Hellebuyck (47 wins, 8 shutouts) in net, the Jets are never out of any game, especially at home.
Injuries and Conditions
| Winnipeg Jets | Dallas Stars |
|---|---|
| C Adam Lowry – Out (hip surgery) | F Jamie Benn – Out (collapsed lung) |
| D Dylan Samberg – Out (broken wrist) | F Oskar Back – Out (undisclosed) |
| F Cole Perfetti – Out (ankle) | D Miro Heiskanen – Probable (rest) |
| G Connor Hellebuyck – Starting | G Jake Oettinger – Starting |
| Winnipeg Jets Injury Report | Dallas Stars Injury Report |
Weather: Indoors at Canada Life Centre — no weather concerns.
Best Bets and Prediction
This matchup is as even as it gets. Dallas owns the playoff edge, but Winnipeg’s home-ice advantage and goaltending balance it out. Expect a fast-paced but tight-checking affair, with both teams’ defensive systems limiting high-danger chances. The edge goes to Dallas’ depth, but the scoreboard should stay low.
Pick: Stars Moneyline (-112)
Projected Final Score: Stars 3, Jets 2
Lean: Under 5.5 (-105)
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| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Best Bet | Stars ML (-112) |
| Confidence Rating | ★★★★☆ |
| Projected Score | Stars 3, Jets 2 |
| Total Lean | Under 5.5 (-105) |
| Market Split | 52% bets Dallas, 55% money Winnipeg |
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