Dallas Stars vs New York Rangers Picks and Predictions December 20th 2024

Rangers and Stars Seek Redemption in Head-to-Head Clash

The Dallas Stars and New York Rangers entered the season with high expectations, touted as potential Stanley Cup contenders. However, both teams find themselves struggling to live up to those aspirations. On Friday in Dallas, they’ll meet for the first time this season, each hoping to reverse their fortunes.

Dallas Faces Offensive Challenges Amid Key Absences

The Stars have dropped four of their last seven games, including a 5-3 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday. A significant factor in their recent slump is the decline in offensive output. After averaging 3.5 goals per game in their first 22 contests, Dallas has managed just 2.67 goals per game in their last nine outings.

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The absence of Tyler Seguin has further complicated matters. Seguin, who scored nine goals in 19 games this season, underwent hip surgery earlier this month and is expected to be sidelined for four to six months. Adding to the void is the offseason retirement of Joe Pavelski, who contributed significantly to the Stars’ offense last season.

“We have to fill that void with other guys,” Stars coach Peter DeBoer said. “Other guys have to find ways to score goals. That includes guys that have scored before. (They need to) get up to the pace they have been on most of their careers.”

While DeBoer refrained from naming specific players, there’s clear pressure on stars like Jason Robertson and Jamie Benn. Robertson, a two-time 40-goal scorer, has just seven goals in 31 games this season. Benn, a veteran with 389 career goals, has only six so far after scoring 33 last year.

Rangers Struggle Amid Roster Upheaval

The Rangers have endured a tough stretch, winning just once in their last six games (1-5-0). Their lone victory came against the Buffalo Sabres, who are mired in an 11-game losing streak. Most recently, New York suffered a 2-0 defeat to the Nashville Predators, a team tied for last place in the league standings.

Roster changes have added to the uncertainty. The Rangers recently traded former second-overall draft pick Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for defenseman Will Borgen and draft picks. Earlier this month, they dealt captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks.

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Despite the turmoil, there’s hope that Artemi Panarin could return Friday. Panarin, who leads the Rangers with 15 goals and 36 points, practiced in a noncontact jersey on Thursday after missing two games with an upper-body injury.

In an effort to lighten the mood, Rangers coach Peter Laviolette and assistant Michael Peca joined practice shootouts.

“Guys get out there, and they work,” Laviolette said. “You get into it, and everybody’s got to find a way to break through this. Having a practice like that, maybe a little bit lighter, an opportunity to just go out and play, get back to it. The best remedy for all of it is winning, and we got to start that (Friday night).”

What’s at Stake

Both teams are desperate to regain form and consistency. For the Stars, revitalizing their offense is critical, especially given the growing gap in production from key players. The Rangers, meanwhile, need to stabilize following roster changes and find ways to generate wins as a team.

Friday’s game presents an opportunity for one of these struggling franchises to take a crucial step toward redemption in a season that has, so far, fallen short of expectations.