Chicago vs Dallas Prediction 17 October 2026
๐ Five defeats in six games, then back-to-back wins-Chicago are finally giving their fans something to cheer about. In their latest outing, the Blackhawks snatched an overtime victory against Winnipeg. Dallas, meanwhile, are also finding their rhythm after a slow start, though the Stars still struggle to find the back of the net. On the flip side, Glen Gulutzanโs side look far more solid defensively than their opponents. Interestingly, all three head-to-head clashes between these teams last season ended with the same scoreline. Will they put on another high-scoring show this time around?
Three times by a 4-3 scoreline
๐ Last season, Chicago and Dallas faced off three times, with each contest decided by just a single goal. In December, the Blackhawks edged out a road win in a shootout, thanks to a clutch attempt from Nick Lardis. On that night, Tyler Bertuzzi recorded a brace. The Blackhawks came out on top again on January 1, this time sealing the victory in regulation, with Ilya Mikheyev starring as he netted twice. Dallas managed to get their revenge only in March, when Miro Heiskanen scored the game-winner just 22 seconds into overtime. All three encounters ended 4-3, with Chicago taking two of those wins.
Head-to-head statistics Chicago - Dallas
The wins have come, but the problems remain
Not long ago, Chicago were languishing at the bottom of the Western Conference. Five defeats in their opening six games left little room for optimism, but back-to-back home wins over Pittsburgh (5-3) and Winnipeg (4-3 OT) have slightly improved their outlook. Jeff Blashillโs side now boast three wins and just one loss on home ice. However, defensive concerns persist. Opponents are generating an average of 3.82 expected goals per game against the Blackhawks-the worst mark in the league. The power play isnโt much better, converting at just 15%, which ranks seventh from the bottom across the NHL. To make matters worse, Andrew Mangiapane is sidelined with injury, and Bowen Byram remains a doubt.
Against Winnipeg, the hosts made a confident start. Connor Bedard opened the scoring in the ninth minute, capitalizing on a power play after slick assists from Patrick Kane and Tyler Bertuzzi. It was the captainโs first goal of the season. Still, Chicago couldnโt hold on to their lead: the Jets fought back and forced overtime. Thatโs where Artem Levshunov stepped up. The Belarusian defenseman joined the rush, took a pass from Bedard, and netted the game-winner at 1:37 of OT. Kane was involved in that play as well, having earlier picked up his 895th NHL assist-a new record for American-born players. The Blackhawks edged it 4-3 but allowed three goals yet again. Against Dallas, that margin for error might not be enough.
Match Results: Chicago Blackhawks
The defense outperforms the attack.
Dallas have picked up three wins, three regulation losses, and one shootout defeat through their opening seven games-a modest start for a team consistently considered among the Western Conference favorites. Their struggles have been most apparent up front: the Stars average just 2.14 goals per game, ranking 30th in the league. The power play has found the net only twice in 16 attempts. On the flip side, their defensive play leaves little room for criticism. Dallas concede an average of just 1.71 goals per game and allow only 23.1 shots on target per outing-both figures place them among the NHLโs top three. Goaltending has been rock solid, with a save percentage of 93.8%. However, injuries have taken a toll: Matt Duchene is sidelined until the new year, Oskar Bรคck has landed on IR, and Wyatt Johnston missed both games against Colorado due to illness.
Recent matchups with the Avalanche have highlighted whatโs currently keeping Dallas afloat. The Stars first fell to Colorado (2-3), but bounced back the next night in Denver with a shootout win (3-2). Against a team that had scored 26 goals in their first five games, Dallas allowed just five over two meetings. In the victory, Arttu Hyry scored shorthanded, while the power play again came up empty. Jake Oettinger continues to deliver between the pipes: over five starts, heโs allowed only six goals and posted two shutouts. Looking to spark their offense, the club signed 38-year-old David Perron to a one-year deal. The veteran forward registered 28 points in 65 games last season. While his debut date remains uncertain, Perronโs experience should provide more options for coach Pete DeBoer.
Match Results: Dallas Stars
Prediction for the 1st period
Clashes between Chicago and Dallas rarely start quietly. In each of their last five head-to-head meetings, the teams have combined for at least two goals in the opening twenty minutes. The Blackhawks are riding a wave of confidence after back-to-back wins, and Bedardโs return has injected fresh energy into their offense. Dallas are much more solid defensively, but even last season that didnโt stop these matchups from producing early goals at both ends. The pick: over 1.5 goals in the first period.
Total Prediction
Dallas have struggled to score lately, but they tend to find their rhythm against Chicago. In six of their last seven head-to-head meetings, the Stars have put at least three goals past the Blackhawks. Chicagoโs current defensive setup also points to a high-scoring night for their opponents: teams are generating 3.82 expected goals per game against the Blackhawks. Even during Chicagoโs recent two-game winning streak, they still conceded six goals. That said, Dallas have had their own issues converting chances, so much will depend on whether the visitors can capitalise on the hostsโ mistakes. The pick: Dallas Individual Total Over 2.5 Goals.
Match Outcome Prediction
Dallas remain a formidable side, but they tend to struggle securing wins in regulation when playing on the road. The Stars have failed to clinch victory within 60 minutes in seven of their last eight away games. In contrast, Chicago are coming off back-to-back home wins and have taken three out of four games at the United Center this season. Last campaign, the Blackhawks also managed to beat Dallas twice. However, the visitorsโ solid defensive play means the hosts canโt be considered outright favourites. The pick: Chicago double chance in regulation (1X).
โญ๏ธ Editorโs Prediction
Dallas currently boast one of the leagueโs top defensive units, while Chicago tend to give up far too many chances at the back. On paper, the visitors should be in control here. However, the head-to-head history suggests we should pay close attention to the opening period. In each of their last five meetings, these teams have combined for at least two goals in the first twenty minutes. Last season, they even played out three games that ended 4-3. With Bedard back in the lineup, Chicago have become more dangerous up front, and even though Dallas arenโt the most prolific side, they consistently find the net against the Blackhawks. So despite Dallasโ strong defense, thereโs every reason to expect goals before the first intermission. My pick is over 1.5 goals in the first period.
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Betting Tips: Chicago Blackhawks - Dallas Stars
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