When you look at the situation surrounding the Dallas Stars, it was not one in which they “controlled their own destiny,” but instead one where if they did their part, they could give themselves a real shot, but they needed help.

And they did not get it.

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Of course, it’s hard to tell what their motivation is going to be for Sunday night’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks, because they’ve just found out they have been eliminated from the playoff chase.

Even so, we may be able to come up with a winner in this situation as we venture into NHL betting.

Here is the setup for their game against another team that is out of the playoff picture:

Dallas Stars at Chicago Blackhawks Preview

Stars vs. Blackhawks Betting Trends

When: 7 PM ET

NHL Betting Lines

Money Line: Stars -164 / Blackhawks +144

Total: Over 6 Goals +100 / Under 6 Goals -120

Puck Line: Stars -1.5 Goals +155 / Blackhawks +1.5 Goals -175

Going into Saturday night’s action, the Stars (22-18-14, 58 points) were two points behind the Nashville Panthers in the battle for the fourth playoff spot in the Central division. Dallas has its last two games against Chicago, while Nashville’s last two games were scheduled against the Carolina Hurricanes, who, the last time we talked to you, were one of the favorites to win the Stanley Cup at +600.

And Nashville had lost all six times they had played against Carolina. All they had to do is win one of the two remaining games, because they possessed a tie-breaker advantage over the Stars by virtue of their 5-3 edge in the head-to-head season series.

NHL Underdog Predictions

Well, they managed to win a 3-1 decision over Carolina, which had already clinched the #1 seed in the Central.

Dallas’ season got delayed because of the COVID protocols that were imposed by the NHL. But once they got going, they were strong out of the starting gate, winning their first four games. Things leveled off, obviously, and losing five games in a row until Friday night did not help them.

Still, the Stars have lost only 18 games in regulation. They had more overtime losses (14) than any other team in the NHL.

Interestingly enough, Dallas comes into this game having lost four of its six meetings with the Blackhawks. But Chicago (23-25-6, 52 points) is not under a head of steam, with six losses in their last seven games.

If they had a little more momentum, you could feel a lot better about the Hawks here.

But they have allowed 28 goals in their last six games. That’s 4.7 a game, and that won’t win many times. They have been allowing a ton of scoring chances, and unless your goaltending is extraordinary, some of those opportunities are going to be successful on the part of your opponent.

There is a certain balance for the Blackhawks, between the desire to play well, of course, with veterans who worry about their jobs for next year, and wanting to see what some of the youngsters can do, because there are going to be plenty of questions to be answered in the off-season.

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There is a twist about this game, and that is the fact that fans will be welcomed into the United Center for the first time all season long. And this is what could provide the excitement and the motivation for the Blackhawks to offer a little something extra.

By the way, if you are looking for the “hot hand” here, it belongs to the Chicago side. Youngster Alex DeBrincat, who was a teammate of Connor McDavid with the Erie Otters in junior hockey, has scored at least one goal in each of his last five games, and 29 for the season.

At this price, there is reason to believe we can profit with the Blackhawks against a disappointed Dallas crew.

The Play: CHICAGO (+144)