Wyatt Johnston, Streaking Stars Face Devils in Key Matchup

The Dallas Stars are on fire, leading the NHL in both wins (19) and goals (98) since Dec. 28. As they prepare to host the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday, Dallas will look to extend its 5-1-0 run over the past six games, during which they have outscored opponents 32-19.

The Devils, meanwhile, have struggled to find consistency. Their 6-6-0 record in their last 12 games has kept them from making a significant push in the standings, and now they face an additional challenge—playing without Jack Hughes. The team’s top scorer suffered an arm injury on Sunday against Vegas and is unlikely to play.

Dallas’ Offense on Fire, Led by Wyatt Johnston

The Stars’ high-powered offense has been one of the best in the league, and Sunday’s 6-3 win over the St. Louis Blues proved just how dangerous they can be.

Despite being outshot 42-21, Dallas took full advantage of their opportunities, going 4-for-4 on the power play. The star of the night was Wyatt Johnston, who scored three power-play goals, tying a franchise record for the most power-play tallies in a single game.

“We bent but didn’t break,” said Stars coach Pete DeBoer. “We didn’t let them turn that momentum into a two or three-goal hole that we couldn’t recover from.”

Johnston has been red-hot, posting 10 points (six goals, four assists) over his last six games. Meanwhile, Roope Hintz has been just as dominant, tallying four points in each of his last two games.

Veteran Matt Duchene continues to lead Dallas in overall scoring with 62 points (25 goals, 37 assists), while Jake Oettinger remains a rock in net with a 29-13-2 record and a stellar 2.44 goals-against average (GAA).

With Dallas’ 22-7-1 home record, the Stars have been nearly unbeatable at the American Airlines Center. That could spell trouble for a Devils team that has been solid on the road (18-13-2) but inconsistent overall.

Devils Dealing With Key Injury, Goalie Decisions

The Devils’ 2-0 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday was costly beyond the scoreboard. Late in the third period, Jack Hughes crashed into the boards after a collision with Jack Eichel, suffering what appeared to be an arm injury.

Though he is officially listed as day-to-day, Hughes’ absence would be a major blow. He leads the Devils with 27 goals and 70 points, and his playmaking ability is central to New Jersey’s offensive attack.

Adding to the frustration, Eichel was not penalized for the hit, while Hughes had been whistled for interference earlier in the game on a similar-looking play—a call that led to a power-play goal for Vegas.

“It was a 0-0 game all the way, and then a questionable penalty just flipped the momentum,” said Devils forward Jesper Bratt.

In goal, Jacob Markstrom returned from an MCL sprain on Sunday, stopping 22 of 24 shots in his first game back after missing 11 contests. However, Jake Allen could get the start on Tuesday if the Devils decide to ease Markstrom back into action.

Recent History and Matchup Trends

The Stars won the last meeting between these teams, defeating the Devils 4-2 in Newark on Feb. 22. Now, they’ll try to complete the season sweep at home.

One interesting trend favors New Jersey: the road team has won each of the last eight matchups between these teams, dating back to the 2019-20 season. The Devils will hope that pattern continues as they look to rebound from Sunday’s loss.

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Which Team Has the Edge?

With Dallas riding a hot streak and playing at home, the Stars have the clear advantage. Their power play is clicking, their top scorers are producing, and their goaltending remains steady.

For the Devils, winning without Hughes will be a major challenge. They’ll need Bratt, Nico Hischier, and Timo Meier to step up offensively, while their goaltending must be sharp to withstand Dallas’ relentless attack.

Will the Stars continue their dominant home form, or can the Devils defy the odds and steal a road win without their star player? Tuesday’s game will provide the answer.