Dallas Stars vs Arizona Coyotes Picks and Predictions January 4th 2025

Streaking Stars try to stay hot vs. Utah Hockey Club

The Dallas Stars aim to extend their winning streak to four games as they host the Utah Hockey Club on Saturday night in what promises to be an exciting matchup. Coming off a strong 4-2 win over Ottawa, the Stars are riding high, while Utah looks to build momentum after a comeback victory against Calgary.

Limited Time Offer

Dallas Stars: Riding a Wave of Momentum

The Stars are in top form, boasting a 6-2-1 record in their last nine games. Their latest triumph against Ottawa showcased the depth and versatility of their lineup.

Key Performers:

• Roope Hintz:
  Leading Dallas with 18 goals in 36 games, Hintz scored twice against Ottawa, continuing to be a key offensive weapon.
• Matt Duchene:
  With 35 points in 37 games, Duchene is the team’s top scorer and has thrived since the Stars adjusted their lines.
  “It feels more fun out there right now, more is happening,” Duchene noted about the team’s improved chemistry.
• Wyatt Johnston & Jason Robertson:
  Johnston has an eight-point streak (three goals, five assists), while Robertson has seven points in the past three games.

Goaltending Stability:

Jake Oettinger, with an 18-9-1 record, a 2.37 goals-against average (GAA), and a .908 save percentage, anchors Dallas’ defense. He didn’t face much pressure in the Ottawa game, needing just 11 saves to secure the win.

Utah Hockey Club: Building on a Comeback

Utah snapped a five-game losing streak with a gutsy 5-3 victory in Calgary. The team rallied from a third-period deficit, a testament to their resilience.

Key Contributors:

• Lawson Crouse:
  Scored twice to end a 14-game goal drought and demonstrated his knack for clutch plays.
  “We have a lot of character in our locker room. No quit, and tonight it paid off,” said Crouse.
• Clayton Keller:
  Utah’s offensive leader with 39 points (25 assists, 14 goals) continues to deliver. He’s tallied three points in his last two games.
• Logan Cooley:
  The rookie phenom is on fire, logging points in 12 straight road games with five goals and 12 assists during that streak.

Goaltending Struggles:

Karel Vejmelka, with a 2.43 GAA and .915 save percentage this season, has been solid overall but has struggled against Dallas, losing both starts with a .900 save percentage.

Season Series So Far: Dallas Dominates

Dallas has outperformed Utah in their two previous meetings this season, both held in Salt Lake City. The Stars clinched 2-1 and 3-2 victories, driven by:

• Jamie Benn: Scored two goals across the two games.
• Casey DeSmith: Delivered stellar goaltending with a .952 save percentage and a 1.51 GAA.

Meanwhile, Utah’s Nick Schmaltz has been the lone bright spot with a goal and assist in the matchups.

Keys to Victory

For Dallas:

1. Sustaining Offensive Chemistry:
   The revamped line combinations have been highly effective, allowing multiple players to shine.
2. Dominating Possession:
   With their recent form, controlling the puck and dictating play will keep Utah on the back foot.
3. Goaltending Edge:
   Oettinger or DeSmith must continue their consistent performances to neutralize Utah’s attacking threats.

For Utah:

1. Overcoming Psychological Barriers:
   Utah must focus on executing their game plan and not dwell on past losses to Dallas.
2. Capitalizing on Special Teams:
   A strong showing in power-play and penalty-kill situations can tilt the game in their favor.
3. Balanced Contributions:
   Keller, Cooley, and Crouse need support from secondary scorers like Dylan Guenther, who recently broke his scoring drought with back-to-back assists.

Game Context and Future Implications

This game marks the third in the four-game season series between these Central Division rivals. The final meeting is scheduled for April 12 in Dallas. A win for the Stars would solidify their position as one of the league’s most consistent teams, while Utah could reignite their playoff aspirations with a victory on enemy ice.

The Best Expert Hockey Handicappers

Conclusion

The Dallas Stars and Utah Hockey Club enter this contest with different narratives, but both teams have reasons to fight hard. Dallas seeks to keep their hot streak alive with contributions from stars like Hintz, Duchene, and Benn, while Utah relies on the leadership of Keller and the emerging brilliance of Cooley to deliver an upset. The stage is set for a thrilling clash, and fans should expect nothing less than a high-energy, fiercely contested game.