Welcome to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey looks at the games happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in. Today, we’re looking at the Dallas Stars against the Calgary Flames. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions every day there’s hockey this 2024-25 season.
NHL Predictions
Dallas Stars (45-21-4) vs Calgary Flames (34-25-11)
Head-to-Head: Dallas leads 2-0
Time: 9 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: NHL Power Play on ESPN+ | Victory+ | SNW
The Stars came into the 2024-2025 NHL season with cup aspirations. Nothing has changed for Dallas, and they are gearing up for a deep playoff run. On the other end of the spectrum, the Flames were expected to be near the bottom of the league. However, the Flames have battled to find themselves on the verge of the playoffs. Calgary has lost both their games against Dallas this season, but have played well against the Stars over the last two seasons. Calgary will need to bring their best effort tonight as they chase a playoff birth. Let’s dive into the latest storylines for both teams and make a prediction on what to expect tonight.
Dallas Battling For Home Ice
The Dallas Stars are coming off a Western Conference Finals appearance last season, and they appear to be even better this year. The Stars have racked up 94 points this season and sit second in the Central Division. Dallas has won three of their last four games and focused on building chemistry heading into the playoffs. The Stars currently has a three-point lead for home ice over their likely first-round opponent the Colorado Avalanche.
Dallas has continued to succeed this season even with long-term injuries to key players Tyler Seguin and Miro Heiskanen. The Stars have skill and depth at all positions and have no areas of weakness on their roster. Dallas is led by All-Star goaltender Jake Oettinger, who is one of the best in the NHL. At the trade deadline, Dallas brought in a massive addition in Mikko Rantanen to an already potent offence. Dallas is a finely tuned machine and all eyes are set on the playoffs. If Rantenan can find his groove the Stars have all the making of a Stanley Cup team.
Calgary Chasing The Blues
The Flames are currently playing some of their best hockey of the season. Unfortunately, they’re chasing one of the hottest teams in the NHL, the St. Louis Blues. The Blues have won seven in a row making it impossible for the Flames to catch them. This means that despite the fact Calgary has four straight wins they haven’t gained any ground in their playoff pursuit. Calgary has surprised many by getting to this point in the season and the team has shown that when they play their best hockey they can compete with the best. The Flames will need to continue their hot play and hope the Blues cool off to make the playoffs.
Calgary is getting incredible contributions from veterans Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri. Kadri has scored in four straight games including back-to-back overtime winners. He’s leading this group and providing belief. Kadri isn’t alone in the recent improved play as youngsters Matthew Coronato and Connor Zary appear to have found their game. The newfound offence is making all the difference for Calgary who continues to get solid goaltending from both Daniel Vladar and rookie standout Dustin Wolf. Calgary will get Dallas on a back-to-back night and should be desperate for the two points.
NHL Predictions for the Stars vs Flames
Dallas will be coming into Calgary after playing against the Oilers the night before. For a team that is locked into the playoffs, this game could be one where they don’t bring their best effort. They will be putting out backup goaltender Casey DeSmith which could make things easier for the Flames. However, despite all this, Dallas is one of the best teams in the league and even on an off night, they could still find a way to beat Calgary.
The Flames need to bring their best effort against a deep Dallas team. Calgary will try to come out strong and find a way to get an early lead. The Flames seem to play better when coming from behind, but with the Stars on a back-t0-back, they need to take advantage early. If Calgary can stay disciplined and outwork Dallas they have a chance to keep things close. With all that said, the signs point towards a Flames advantage, but it’s just too difficult to predict them over such a good team. Expect Calgary to keep this close and maybe get one point, but Dallas is the better team and should win this contest.
Prediction: Stars win 3-2
Prop Bets of the Night
Calgary tends to give up too many powerplays to opposing teams. With the offensive firepower on the other side, expect Dallas to take advantage. Superstar Mikko Rantanen has just two goals in eight games for Dallas, he’s a prime candidate to make the Flames pay down a man. Look for odds on Rantanen to pick up a goal or a power play point.
On the Flames side, Coronato has points in four straight games and has found chemistry with his new linemates. He’s a prime candidate to score a goal in this game with his newfound confidence.
Main photo by: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: March 27th Dallas Stars vs Calgary Flames appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.