Dallas Stars vs Vancouver-canucks Picks and Predictions January 31st 2025

Two Teams, Two Different Challenges

The Vancouver Canucks and Dallas Stars both enter Friday’s showdown in Texas riding three-game winning streaks. However, their paths to this point have been anything but smooth.

For Vancouver, locker room tension between star forwards J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson has fueled trade speculation and potential chemistry issues. Meanwhile, Dallas is dealing with a major injury blow after losing star defenseman Miro Heiskanen to a knee injury.

With both teams fighting for positioning in the tight Western Conference, this matchup could have long-term playoff implications.

Canucks Quieting Distractions with Wins

The Canucks (27-20-6) have made more headlines off the ice than on it recently. President of hockey operations Jim Rutherford admitted that there is an ongoing rift between Miller and Pettersson, leading to questions about whether one of them could be moved before the trade deadline.

Despite the turmoil, the Canucks have found stability on the ice, securing victories over Arizona (4-2), Chicago (5-3), and Nashville (3-1).

Goaltender Thatcher Demko has been the backbone of Vancouver’s turnaround, making key stops and keeping the team in games.

“I think we’ve done a really good job of playing connected, playing as five,” Demko said. “It goes zone to zone. The quicker we can get back for the breakout and help each other, the better.”

Vancouver knows it must keep the winning momentum going to stay in the playoff hunt.

“We had some internal meetings about it being that time of year where we’ve got to string some games together here,” Demko said. “A big test the last leg of the trip here in Dallas and, hopefully, (we can) make it four.”

Stars Rallying Without Heiskanen

While the Canucks are dealing with off-ice drama, the Stars (31-15-6) face a significant on-ice challenge with Miro Heiskanen’s injury.

The team’s top defenseman, who leads Dallas in ice time (25+ minutes per game) and defensive scoring, left Tuesday’s game against Vegas with a knee injury. The Stars are now forced to adjust their blue-line strategy moving forward.

“We’ve had a lot thrown at us this year at different points,” coach Pete DeBoer said. “I like our resiliency.”

The Stars showed that resiliency in a 4-3 overtime comeback victory over the Golden Knights. Wyatt Johnston recorded his second career hat trick, scoring a shorthanded goal and netting the game-winner.

“Wyatt Johnston has been going to another level for probably a month now,” DeBoer said. “It’s great to see him rewarded for that.”

Dallas, battling with the Minnesota Wild for second place in the Central Division, now looks to continue its home dominance.

Key Matchups to Watch

J.T. Miller & Elias Pettersson vs. Dallas’ Defensive Adjustments

With Heiskanen out, the Stars’ defense will be tested against the Canucks’ top scorers. How well Dallas’ blue line can contain Miller (22 goals, 36 assists) and Pettersson (25 goals, 34 assists) could decide the game.

Can Thatcher Demko Outduel Jake Oettinger?

Demko (2.56 GAA, .917 SV%) has been stellar in Vancouver’s three-game streak, but Jake Oettinger (2.65 GAA, .910 SV%) has also held his own for Dallas. The goaltender who makes the clutch saves will likely lead his team to victory.

Dallas’ Offense vs. Vancouver’s Team Defense

The Stars rank third in the NHL in goals per game (3.57), with Jason Robertson (57 points) and Roope Hintz (52 points) leading the attack. Vancouver must maintain its recent strong defensive play to avoid being overpowered.

What’s at Stake?

For Vancouver, a win would solidify their wild-card position and provide more evidence that they can overcome locker-room turmoil.

For Dallas, maintaining momentum without Heiskanen will be key, especially with a tough upcoming schedule that includes matchups against Winnipeg, Colorado, and Vegas.

Final Prediction

Both teams are riding hot streaks, but Dallas’ depth scoring and home-ice advantage give them the slight edge—especially if Vancouver’s internal issues resurface.

Final Score Prediction: Stars 4, Canucks 3 (OT)

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Conclusion

The Canucks and Stars are proving they can overcome adversity, whether it’s team drama or major injuries. With both teams riding three-game win streaks, expect a hard-fought battle in Dallas as Vancouver fights for playoff positioning and Dallas adjusts to life without Heiskanen.

Can the Canucks silence the trade rumors, or will the Stars continue their charge up the Central Division standings? All eyes will be on Friday night’s showdown.