Winnipeg Jets vs Dallas Stars Picks and Predictions March 14th 2025

Stars and Jets Set for a Pivotal Central Division Clash

Two of the NHL’s top teams are set for a high-stakes showdown as the Dallas Stars travel to face the Winnipeg Jets on Friday night. With both teams pushing for playoff positioning, this matchup could be a preview of an intense postseason battle in the Western Conference.

The Stars come into the game riding a strong wave of momentum, winning five of their last six games and boasting an offense that’s been firing on all cylinders. Meanwhile, the Jets have responded well after a brief slump, winning three of their past four following a tough three-game losing streak.

This is more than just another regular-season game—it’s a battle for Central Division supremacy between two teams loaded with talent, firepower, and elite goaltending.

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Stars: High-Powered Offense and Trade Deadline Additions Making an Impact

Dallas has been red-hot offensively, putting up three or more goals in 11 consecutive games while continuing to integrate major trade deadline acquisitions into their lineup.

One of the biggest additions? Mikko Rantanen.

• The Finnish winger has already made his mark, scoring two goals and an assist in his first two games with Dallas.
• Before joining the Stars, Rantanen struggled in Carolina with just two goals and four assists in 13 games. Now, he looks like the perfect fit for Dallas’ high-octane offense.

Another key in-season pickup, Mikael Granlund, also broke his scoring drought in Dallas’ 4-1 win over Vancouver on Sunday.

“It was right at the end of the second period, so getting that lead going into the third was huge,” Granlund said. “I’ve had chances, so it was nice to finally get one.”

The Stars’ top-line firepower has been equally impressive:

• Jason Robertson has been on fire, extending his point streak to eight games with eight goals and seven assists during that span.
• Defenseman Thomas Harley has been stepping up offensively, scoring the opening goal in their last game.

Even with this offensive explosion, the Stars are dealing with a key absence, as Roope Hintz remains out due to a facial injury. His status remains day-to-day.

Goaltending Duel: Oettinger vs. Hellebuyck Could Steal the Show

While the offenses are clicking, this game will likely be decided in the crease, where two elite goaltenders go head-to-head:

Jake Oettinger (Dallas Stars)

• Expected to start after Casey DeSmith played Sunday.
• Career vs. Winnipeg: 6-2-1 record, 2.23 GAA, .916 SV%.
• Has been a rock for Dallas in key games.

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Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets)

• Leads the NHL in:
  • Wins (38)
  • Goals-against average (1.99)
  • Save percentage (.927)
• A two-time Vezina Trophy winner, playing at an MVP level.
• Coming off a strong performance against the Rangers (21 saves on 22 shots).

With two of the best goaltenders in the league facing off, expect a tight, low-scoring battle, where every mistake will be magnified.

Winnipeg’s Recent Surge and Key Players to Watch

The Jets have bounced back after a rough stretch, winning three of their last four games, including a 2-1 win over the New York Rangers on Tuesday.

• Gabriel Vilardi and Vladislav Namestnikov both found the net in the win.
• Cole Perfetti picked up two assists, helping Winnipeg secure a much-needed two points.

“It was a tight, physical game,” Perfetti said. “That’s what games are going to be like coming down the stretch, so it was a great test for us.”

The Jets are looking for more from top scorer Mark Scheifele, who has been held off the scoresheet in back-to-back games and has only two goals in his past seven contests.

Winnipeg Facing Key Absences

The Jets will have to overcome some adversity heading into Friday’s game:

• Captain Mikael Backlund left Wednesday’s game with an upper-body injury. His status for Friday is uncertain.
• Connor Zary is suspended for two games after delivering a hit to the head on Elias Pettersson.

With a tough three-game Pacific Division road trip on the horizon, Winnipeg needs to make the most of this final home game before heading out on the road.

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Recent Matchup History: Stars Have the Edge

Dallas has controlled this rivalry in recent matchups, winning four of the last six meetings.

• All six recent games have featured five goals or fewer, highlighting the defensive, goaltending-heavy nature of this series.
• The most recent meeting (Dec. 1): Dallas won 3-1 on home ice.

Key Storylines to Watch in This Central Division Battle

• Can Dallas keep its offensive hot streak going against the NHL’s best goaltender?
• Will Winnipeg’s defense hold strong despite missing key players?
• Will Jake Oettinger continue his strong play against the Jets?
• Can Mark Scheifele break out of his scoring slump?
• Will this be a low-scoring goaltending battle, or will the Stars offense find a way?

With two of the top teams in the Western Conference going head-to-head, Friday’s game has huge playoff implications and the makings of a thriller.

Can the Stars continue their dominance over Winnipeg, or will the Jets use home-ice advantage to take a critical victory?

Buckle up—this is going to be a battle.