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Ducks vs Stars Betting Preview
Anaheim begins a seven-game, 15-day stretch without leaving Southern California. Six games take place at Honda Center, with one quick trip to Los Angeles. The schedule gives the Ducks a chance to build rhythm and maintain structure. Ryan Strome emphasized the opportunity to establish their game before the holiday break.
The Ducks face the Stars on Friday before hosting Columbus on Saturday and Seattle on Monday. Their compressed schedule reduces practice time but may favor a young team comfortable playing through rhythm. Petr Mrazek returns from injured reserve and should back up Lukas Dostal against Dallas. Mrazek is expected to start Saturday.
Dallas arrives after a 5-3 win in San Jose. They took six of their last eight games and continue pushing in the Western Conference race. They travel home Sunday to face Toronto before heading to Detroit. Glen Gulutzan highlighted goaltending and special teams as key factors in back-to-back situations.
Casey DeSmith is expected to start for Dallas. Jake Oettinger started Thursday and made 34 saves. DeSmith carries a 4-2-0 career mark against Anaheim with strong underlying numbers. Oettinger allowed six goals in Anaheim’s 7-5 win on Nov. 6, the Ducks’ high-water mark during their season-long seven-game winning streak.
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Line Movement and Odds
Stars -150, Ducks +128
Total: 6.5 (over -115, under -105)
Dallas opened as the favorite due to form and Anaheim’s defensive volatility.
Check updated numbers on the NHL odds page.
Matchup Breakdown
Dallas overview
Dallas leans on depth scoring and structured neutral-zone play. Their transition game generates layered entries. Their defensive pairings limit second looks. They rely on aggressive pressure through their top six and disciplined support from the back end.
Their goaltending rotation stabilizes back-to-back situations. DeSmith’s numbers against Anaheim show comfort with their pace. Their special teams often provide early momentum. Dallas aims to manage fatigue while protecting the middle of the ice.
Their path involves limiting Anaheim’s rush chances and controlling pace through clean exits.
Anaheim overview
Anaheim enters with improved health in goal. Mrazek’s return provides depth behind Dostal. Dostal owns a 2-0-1 mark against Dallas but with modest underlying numbers. Anaheim needs cleaner defensive rotations to support their young core.
Their ability to pressure Dallas with speed generated their earlier win in November. Their forecheck must stay connected. Their schedule gives them a chance to establish rhythm. Their young forwards produce pace but need sustained possession to keep games close.
Strome’s emphasis on building identity reflects the team’s mindset. Their challenge involves managing defensive-zone shifts and supporting the crease.
Injuries
Stars
Full overview available on the
Dallas Stars page.
Ducks
- Petr Mrazek — Returning from injured reserve
- Ville Husso — Returned to AHL after emergency duty
Team overview available on the
Anaheim Ducks page.
Betting Trends
- Stars 6-2 in last eight
- Stars strong in back-to-back situations due to depth and structure
- Ducks 7-5 at home
- Ducks improving in goal with Mrazek returning
- Over trending in Anaheim games due to defensive lapses
- Dallas leaning over with recent scoring spikes
Best Bets and Prediction
Dallas holds advantages in structure, depth and special teams. Anaheim’s home stretch should help them settle, but their defensive zone remains inconsistent. DeSmith can manage pace and handle Anaheim’s rush. Dallas creates more high-danger chances and should control most situations.
Projected score: Stars 4, Ducks 3
Best Bet: Stars -150
Total Lean: Over 6.5
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