Dallas Stars vs. San Jose Sharks Prediction, Tips & Odds – Apr. 17, 2022
The Dallas Stars hold the final wildcard position in the Western Conference and have a favorable matchup at home today to further solidify themselves inside the playoff zone. The home team has been stepping it up in their late playoff push while the Sharks are having a season to forget and have lost eight straight games recently.
The Stars always looked to outscore their opponents but this season it’s their defense that’s been getting them over the line. In their last two games, they only conceded two goals which should be the difference-maker against the inefficient Sharks who are only scoring 2.5 goals per game. Furthermore, San Jose’s defense has also let them down this season conceding over 3 goals per game.
American Airlines Center is a traditionally unfavorable place for the Sharks to play, with their last win in Dallas coming in 2015. Since then the Stars have beaten them six times in a row at home and will look to build off that positive tradition to secure new vital points in their playoff hunt.
Dallas had two very tough games in the last four days against the heavyweights Tampa Bay and Minnesota but won a total of four points. In those games, they looked like a serious playoff contender on both ends of the ice which, along with making their coach very happy, should raise the spirits in their locker room for today’s game.
“We just beat Tampa, we just tied Minnesota and lost in overtime but that’s two of the best teams in the league. If we keep playing like that, things will be okay.”@ATT | #TexasHockey pic.twitter.com/W7S86hkL5l
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) April 15, 2022
The Sharks have been a real disappointment so far. They used to have a high-octane offense which is now struggling mightly and to add fire to the fuel, their defense also hasn’t been sound. The last time they won was at the end of March at home against Anaheim and then suffered a complete meltdown losing eight straight games.
One of the reasons for their poor results this season is the health of Doug Wilson, one of the longest-tenured general managers in the NHL. After being in charge of the club’s operations for 19 years, this season he decided to temporarily step aside because of his growing health problems. Being an NHL legend and a member of the Hall of Fame, his departure certainly had San Jose´s players distraught and not at their best.
Dallas Stars vs San Jose Sharks Prediction
The Stars would basically commit playoff-suicide if they failed to win this game. The Sharks have nothing to play for and conceded five goals in their last two games. Dallas will be all over them from the opening minute so we think they won´t be able to hold them off and will back the home team to win in regulation.
Pick: 3-Way (1×2) – Dallas Stars
Odds: 1.83
Bookmaker: Bet365
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