Dallas Stars vs Nashville Predators Picks and Predictions December 12th 2024

Predators Look to Stop Skid Against Streaking Stars

The Nashville Predators (7-15-6) are on the brink of setting an unwelcome franchise record for consecutive losses as they visit the Dallas Stars (17-7-3) on Thursday night. With Nashville winless in its last eight games (0-5-3) and struggling mightily on offense, the challenge of defeating a surging Stars team at home looms large.

Predators’ Challenges and Key Injuries

Nashville’s struggles have been compounded by injuries to key players. Captain Roman Josi, the team’s points leader with 23, suffered a lower-body injury during Tuesday’s 4-3 loss to the Calgary Flames and is uncertain for Thursday. Star forward Ryan O’Reilly (lower body) has missed the past three games, and Gustav Nyquist was sidelined Tuesday due to illness.

Head coach Andrew Brunette acknowledged the impact of losing Josi but sees it as an opportunity for others:
“Obviously, you never replace Roman Josi. But it gives us, organizationally, a chance to see these guys with more minutes and what they have.”

Nashville’s offense has struggled mightily, tallying just 14 goals during the eight-game skid. Jonathan Marchessault has been a bright spot, scoring twice against Calgary, but his production has largely been limited to home games, with only three of his 15 points coming on the road.

Goaltender Juuse Saros, normally a pillar for Nashville, has a 3.46 goals-against average during his current 0-4-3 stretch.

Stars Thrive at Home

The Stars have been dominant at the American Airlines Center, boasting an 11-2-0 home record and outscoring opponents 19-8 during their current four-game home winning streak. Defenseman Thomas Harley scored twice in Sunday’s 6-2 victory over Calgary, and Jason Robertson contributed a goal and an assist to break a three-game scoring slump.

Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger has been lights out at home, with a 10-1-0 record, a 1.99 goals-against average, and a .929 save percentage. Backup Casey DeSmith has also been reliable, with a 2.05 GAA in two home starts this season.

Head coach Pete DeBoer praised the team’s offensive resurgence after Sunday’s win:
“It starts with doing the right things, and we capitalize on the opportunities.”

Keys to the Game

Nashville Predators:

• Overcome Injuries: Find ways to generate offense despite the likely absence of Josi and O’Reilly.
• Solid Goaltending: Saros must deliver a standout performance to counter Dallas’ potent attack.
• Limit Defensive Breakdowns: Avoid the lapses that have led to big deficits during their current slide.

Dallas Stars:

• Maintain Home Dominance: Leverage their strong home record to set the tone early.
• Spread the Scoring: Contributions from depth players like Thomas Harley and Sam Steel can complement top stars like Robertson.
• Capitalize on Nashville’s Struggles: Pressure the Predators’ shorthanded lineup and shaky defense.

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Series Outlook

The Stars edged the Predators 4-3 in their season opener on Oct. 10 in Nashville, with Oettinger making 33 saves. Robertson, who has 10 career goals in 21 games against Nashville, will look to add to that total as the Stars aim to continue their dominance at home.

For Nashville, avoiding the ignominy of a franchise-record ninth consecutive loss will require overcoming adversity, especially against a Stars team that excels at exploiting opponents’ weaknesses. The odds favor Dallas, but the Predators will need to dig deep to reverse their fortunes.