The NHL regular season is kicking off with the Dallas Stars visiting the Winnipeg Jets at the Canada Life Centre. Both teams are looking to start the season strong after making playoff appearances last year. The game is set for Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 8:00 PM and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
The Dallas Stars are coming off an impressive 50-26-6 record from last season, finishing second in the Western Central Division. Under the guidance of head coach Glen Gulutzan, the Stars aim to build on their playoff momentum, where they reached the Western Conference Finals. Their odds slightly favor them, with a MoneyLine of -112.
The Winnipeg Jets, coached by Scott Arniel, concluded last season with a 56-22-4 record, topping both the conference and division standings. Despite their strong season, the Jets were eliminated in the Western Semifinals. As the underdogs in this matchup, they will look to leverage their home advantage at the Canada Life Centre to secure a win against the Stars.
Jets vs Stars At a Glance
- Game Location: Canada Life Centre
- Game Date & Time: Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 8:00 PM
- TV Broadcast: ESPN+
- Away Team Coach: Glen Gulutzan of the Dallas Stars
- Home Team Coach: Scott Arniel of the Winnipeg Jets
- Odds Favorite: Dallas Stars with a MoneyLine of -112
Jets Ready for Takeoff: Winnipeg Set for Season Opener
Key Players to Watch
Kyle Connor was a powerhouse last season, achieving a remarkable 97 points across 82 games. His consistent scoring capability makes him a pivotal player as the Jets open their season against the Dallas Stars.
Mark Scheifele, with 87 points last year, remains a crucial component of the Jets’ offensive lineup. His playmaking ability complements Connor’s goal-scoring prowess, promising dynamic offensive play for the Jets.
Defenseman Josh Morrissey, with 62 points last season, will look to anchor the defense while contributing offensively. His presence on the blue line is vital for the Jets’ success both in stopping goals and initiating plays.
Goaltending Strength
Connor Hellebuyck, the Vezina Trophy-winning goalie, enters the season with expectations of being a defensive stalwart. His performance in goal, having stopped 1539 shots last season, is key to the Jets’ defensive strategy.
Eric Comrie offers solid backup support, having secured 9 wins in his 20 games last season. His role as a dependable second option in goal will be essential for the Jets’ depth throughout the season.
Upcoming Challenges
The Jets face the challenge of starting the season without key players due to injuries. Captain Adam Lowry is out with a hip injury, while Cole Perfetti and Dylan Samberg are also sidelined, impacting the team’s depth.
Despite these setbacks, Nikita Chibrikov steps into the lineup after signing a two-year extension. His potential for offensive contributions is a bright spot as the team deals with early-season injuries.
Team Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU as Favorite: 36-14 (72.0%)
- Puckline All Games: 41-24 (63.1%)
- O/U Last 10: 2-8 (20.0%)
Stars Align: Dallas Stars Ready for Season Opener Against the Jets
Introduction to the Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars are kicking off their NHL regular season against the Winnipeg Jets. Both teams made changes during the offseason, yet their core players remain mostly intact. This game marks a new chapter for the Stars as they aim to start the season strong.
Key Players to Watch
Mikko Rantanen, a powerhouse right winger, led the Stars last season with 88 points from 32 goals and 56 assists in 82 games. His performance will be pivotal in setting the tone for the Stars’ offensive strategy. Additionally, Matt Duchene and Jason Robertson are expected to contribute significantly, having posted 82 and 80 points respectively last season.
On defense, Thomas Harley stood out with 110 blocks over 78 games last season. His role will be crucial in minimizing scoring opportunities for the Jets. Roope Hintz also brings a solid presence with 67 points in 76 games, adding depth to the Stars’ lineup.
Goaltending Overview
Jake Oettinger will likely be the cornerstone in goal for the Stars, coming off a season with 36 wins and 1,464 saves over 58 games. His ability to maintain composure under pressure will be essential in facing the Jets’ offensive threats. Casey DeSmith, another option, recorded 14 wins and 696 saves in 27 games, providing depth to the goaltending roster.
Injury and Roster Updates
The Stars face some lineup challenges, with key players like Jamie Benn and Oskar Back on injured reserve. Their absence could impact team dynamics early in the season. However, the recall of players like Harrison Scott and Trey Taylor might offer new opportunities for the team.
Winnipeg Jets Preview
The Jets have shown varied performance in recent preseason games, winning against the Calgary Flames and losing to the Minnesota Wild. As they host the Stars, their starting goalie remains unconfirmed, adding an element of unpredictability to their defensive strategy.
Betting Trends for the Dallas Stars
- SU Last 3: 0-3 (0.0%)
- SU Last 5: 0-5 (0.0%)
- SU All Games: 41-26 (61.2%)
- Puckline All Games: 36-31 (53.7%)
- O/U All Games: 28-39 (41.8%)
With the Stars preparing to take on the Jets, these trends suggest a challenging road ahead as they aim to improve their record. The game against the Jets will be a test of their ability to turn the odds in their favor.
Jets vs Stars Prediction: Under 5.5
The Dallas Stars are beginning the season with key injuries, including captain Jamie Benn, which may affect their scoring capabilities. Additionally, with Oskar Back also on injured reserve, the Stars might struggle to find depth in their offense. These injuries could limit Dallas’s ability to generate goals against a strong Jets defense.
Winnipeg’s recent betting trends indicate a tendency towards lower-scoring games, with the last three games going under the total. Their preseason form also suggests a solid defensive structure, having shut down opponents on multiple occasions. The Jets’ ability to maintain a defensive edge, even in the absence of key players like Cole Perfetti, is likely to keep the game score low.
Considering the Jets’ high number of shutout wins last season and the Stars’ current lineup challenges, it is probable that both teams will struggle to find the back of the net consistently. This sets the stage for a game characterized by tight defense and limited scoring opportunities.
As the Jets and Stars kick off their regular season, expect a closely contested game where defensive strategies take precedence. A projected scoreline of Winnipeg 3 – Dallas 1 aligns with the prediction of a total under 5.5.
- Jets vs Stars Prediction: Under 5.5
- Jets vs Stars Score: Winnipeg 3 – Dallas 1
