The Chicago Blackhawks are back at it on Sunday night, hoping to snap a three-game losing streak as they host the Dallas Stars. Both teams are dealing with their fair share of struggles, so this game could be a big momentum shift for whichever side pulls through.

Blackhawks: Home Sweet Home?

The Blackhawks are living two very different lives this season—solid at home but shaky on the road. They dropped all three games on their latest road trip, giving up 16 goals in the process. Their most recent game was a tough 6-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres, where things got out of hand early.you

Tyler Bertuzzi and Seth Jones both found the back of the net, but it wasn’t nearly enough. Chicago gave up four goals in the first period alone on just 11 shots, forcing goalie Petr Mrazek to hit the bench in favor of Arvid Soderblom.

“We just weren’t ready to compete,” Seth Jones said bluntly after the loss. “We shot ourselves in the foot too many times, and it cost us.”

One bright spot? Connor Bedard. The 19-year-old superstar keeps showing why he’s the real deal, notching an assist to extend his point streak to three games. Bedard now leads the team with 31 points (nine goals, 22 assists) and continues to be a major playmaker. If the Blackhawks want to rebound at home, Bedard will be central to their success.

Stars: Lost in the Third

The Dallas Stars aren’t in great shape either. They’re coming off a 3-2 overtime loss to the Minnesota Wild—a game they should have had in the bag. The Stars entered the third period with a 2-0 lead but gave up two quick goals in less than a minute, letting the game slip away.

“Up two in the third… we can’t let that happen, you’ve got to keep pushing forward, but also play smart.”

-Wyatt Johnston

Johnston has been one of the few bright spots for Dallas, picking up five points in his last five games. However, they’ll have to make do without Mason Marchment, their second-leading scorer, who’s out after taking a puck to the face in Friday’s game.

On top of that, the Stars just can’t seem to score. They’ve managed three goals or fewer in seven straight games, and their power play? Ice cold at 0-for-17 over the past four contests.

“It’s hard to win in this league scoring just two goals a night, We’ve got to figure out how to generate more offense, both on the power play and at even strength.”

-Peter DeBoer

What to Keep an Eye On

1. Home Ice Advantage for Chicago
   The Blackhawks have looked strong at home, winning their last three games at the United Center. They’ll need that energy to snap their losing streak.
2. Dallas’ Scoring Troubles
   The Stars are in a serious slump offensively. If they can’t find the net, they’ll struggle to keep up with Chicago’s firepower.
3. Connor Bedard, the Game Changer
   Bedard’s been on fire, and his creativity and scoring ability will be key against a Stars team that’s looking vulnerable defensively.

The Goalie Matchup

Both teams are counting on their goaltenders to step up. Chicago’s Petr Mrazek and Arvid Soderblom need to recover from a rough road trip, while Dallas’ Jake Oettinger is doing his best to hold things together despite limited support.

Special Teams Could Be the Decider

Neither team has impressed on the power play recently, but if one of them can find a way to convert, it could be the game-changer.

What’s at Stake

The Blackhawks are looking to build on their home success with five straight games at the United Center ahead. For the Stars, this is about staying in the fight in their division and regaining some offensive confidence. Both teams need a win, and both will be playing like it’s do-or-die.

Level Up Your Game – Start Now!

Handicapping Membership

Get Free Trial

Final Thoughts

This game is shaping up to be all about who wants it more. For the Blackhawks, it’s a chance to turn their home rink into a fortress. For the Stars, it’s about snapping out of their funk and finding a spark to keep their season alive.