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Dallas Stars vs Tampa Bay Lightning Week 7 Betting Preview
Dallas and Tampa Bay meet Thursday, October 30, 2025, 7:00 p.m. ET at Benchmark International Arena on TNT. Both ride three-game win streaks. Dallas leans on depth and structure after shuffling lines, highlighted by Thomas Harley’s extension and Jake Oettinger’s shutout over Washington. Tampa Bay found a spark with an energy line and a 5-2 win in Nashville. For full board context, check live numbers on our NHL odds
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Line Movement and Odds
Opening leaned Tampa Bay at home around the mid-130s on the moneyline. By Thursday afternoon, market range settled near:
- Moneyline: Lightning -140 to -150, Stars +120 to +130
- Puck line: Stars +1.5 (~-200 to -210), Lightning -1.5 (~+160 to +175)
- Total: 5.5 to 6.0 (many shops dealing 5.5 with the over slightly shaded)
Public splits show interest on Dallas +1.5. Sharper positions pop on Tampa Bay ML and some Under 6 / 5.5 depending on price. For game-by-game notes and previews, browse our NHL game previews hub
Matchup Breakdown
Dallas outlook:
The Stars survived the Frozen Frenzy slate and tightened up in their 1-0 win over Washington, with Tyler Seguin converting after line shuffles. Oettinger’s baseline is stabilizing, and Dallas’ top group—Wyatt Johnston, Mikko Rantanen, Jason Robertson—drives chance quality. Dallas’ edge comes from disciplined five-on-five and a power play that can flip leverage.
Tampa Bay outlook:
The Lightning rediscovered pace and forecheck layers. Zemgus Girgensons chipped in two in Nashville, and Nikita Kucherov’s touch game boosts a transition threat that stresses weak-side coverage. Tampa Bay should test Dallas’ slot protection and retrievals. If the Bolts win faceoffs and lean on the bumper look, they control tempo.
Key battle:
Dallas’ defensive exits vs. Tampa Bay’s neutral-zone pressure. If Dallas breaks cleanly, they attack in waves. If Tampa clogs the middle and piles o-zone time, Stars chase the game.
Injuries and Conditions
Dallas Stars
- Jamie Benn – Out, recent collapse-lung recovery progress monitored
- Oskar Bäck – Day-to-day, upper body
- Matt Duchene – Day-to-day, undisclosed
- Roope Hintz – Day-to-day, undisclosed
See updates on the Dallas Stars injury report
Tampa Bay Lightning
- Nick Paul – Out, upper body
- Darren Raddysh – Day-to-day, personal
- Maxwell Crozier – Out, undisclosed
See updates on the Tampa Bay Lightning injury report
Weather: Indoor venue, no weather impact.
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Best Bets and Prediction
Dallas trend leans to low-event road games, but Tampa Bay’s recent five-on-five pop and home ice carry weight.
- Projected score: Lightning 4, Stars 2
- Best Bet: Tampa Bay moneyline in the mid-140s
- Secondary lean: Under 6 (or Under 5.5 at a favorable number)
If you want to tail or fade these angles with verified records, track our Handicappers Leaderboard, then browse today’s Service Plays and our daily Free NHL Picks.
