Dallas Stars vs Toronto Maple Leafs Picks and Predictions December 18th 2024

Stars try to continue home dominance vs. Maple Leafs

The Dallas Stars will look to continue their impressive home performance as they host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday at the American Airlines Center. The game promises to be an exciting showdown between Dallas’ stellar home record and Toronto’s dynamic offense.

Sign Up

Dallas Stars: Building Momentum at Home

The Stars improved to 13-3-0 at home this season after a 3-1 victory over the Washington Capitals on Monday. With three wins in their last four games, Dallas is riding high on confidence as they approach the latter half of a six-game homestand.

Rising Stars Shine Bright

Key players Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson have continued their offensive dominance, with Hintz scoring twice and Robertson adding two assists in the win over Washington. Adding to the excitement, rookie defenseman Lian Bichsel scored his second goal in just three NHL games, joining elite company in franchise history.

“I’m fighting for a job here and doing all I can to make their decision hard,” said the 20-year-old Bichsel, who has impressed with his physicality, recording 12 hits in three games.

Defensive Resilience

Dallas’ defense has been sharp despite missing key players Matt Dumba (upper body injury) and Nils Lundkvist (illness). Bichsel has stepped up admirably, supported by the steady presence of goaltender Jake Oettinger.

Oettinger, in particular, has been lights-out at home, boasting a 12-2-0 record, a 1.92 goals-against average (GAA), and a .928 save percentage. His performance has been vital as backup Casey DeSmith recovers from the flu.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Riding Offensive Momentum

Toronto heads into the matchup with three wins in their last four games, including an impressive comeback victory against the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday. The Leafs erased a deficit with four unanswered goals to claim a 5-3 win.

Tavares Leads the Charge

Captain John Tavares delivered a standout performance with a natural hat trick, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion.

“My whole life, I’ve been able to produce offensively, score goals, and make an impact all over the ice,” Tavares said after his hat trick heroics.

Nicholas Robertson also stepped up, contributing a goal and an assist to double his season point total. The game against Dallas will mark a special moment, as Nicholas faces off against his older brother, Jason Robertson, adding an emotional subplot to the matchup.

Goaltending Challenges

Toronto will have to manage without their starting goalie, Anthony Stolarz, who is sidelined for 4-6 weeks following a knee procedure. This absence places added pressure on Toronto’s defense to protect their net against Dallas’ high-powered offense.

Key Matchup: Stars’ Defense vs. Maple Leafs’ Offense

The game pits Dallas’ home dominance and defensive prowess against Toronto’s potent offensive firepower. The Stars have been exceptional on the penalty kill, shutting down all 10 power-play opportunities during their current homestand. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs will rely on their offensive stars like Tavares and Mitch Marner to break through.

Daily NHL Picks & Predictions from The Best Expert Hockey Handicappers

Players to Watch

• Jake Oettinger (Dallas): With his stellar home stats, Oettinger is a key figure in Dallas’ strategy to neutralize Toronto’s attack.
• John Tavares (Toronto): The veteran captain is in red-hot form, leading the Leafs’ offense.
• Lian Bichsel (Dallas): The rookie defenseman has been making waves with his scoring and physical play.
• Nicholas Robertson (Toronto): Facing his brother Jason adds an extra layer of intrigue to his performance.

Predictions and Expectations

The Stars will aim to leverage their home advantage, focusing on tight defense and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. Toronto, on the other hand, needs to maintain their offensive rhythm and find ways to overcome Dallas’ penalty kill and dominant goaltending.

The matchup between the Robertson brothers and the dynamic between Tavares’ leadership and Oettinger’s netminding prowess will undoubtedly make this game a must-watch.