Columbus vs Dallas Prediction 26 February 2025
🔊 Will the "Jackets" interrupt the visitors' winning streak? Columbus continues to fight for a spot in the Eastern Conference playoff eight, but after losing Kirill Marchenko, they have slightly slowed down. The "Jackets" remain in close proximity to the playoff zone, which can already be considered a full-fledged success after last year's fiasco. Dallas, on the other hand, has gained impressive momentum and continues to chase the Western Conference leader - Winnipeg.
Head-to-Head
In the current regular season, the opponents have already faced each other, at the very beginning of February. Back then, the "stars" narrowly secured a victory on their home ice with a score of (5:3). Throughout the match, the current visitors had to come from behind, and it was only in the third period that they managed to tip the scales in their favor. The hero of the match was Dallas forward Evgenii Dadonov, who managed to score a brace. The Russian is still in excellent form and has scored points in three of the last four matches.
Head-to-head statistics Columbus - Dallas
Columbus Blue Jackets Team Overview
The "Jackets" had a rough start to February, suffering four consecutive losses. Therefore, the February break certainly gave the team a chance to reset and await the return of key players. Columbus's top scorer Kirill Marchenko returned to the ice and already played in the match against Chicago, but despite a significant victory (5:1), he did not record any points. Dean Evason's team is deep in the battle for a spot in the playoff eight and has a decent chance of success. However, the team has very few players with positive experience in such battles.
Match Results: Columbus Blue Jackets
Dallas Stars Team Overview
Peter DeBoer's team is not slowing down. In the last 10 matches, the "Stars" have suffered only one regulation-time defeat, against Anaheim (1:2). The team has made an impressive tournament surge, and now only the "hot" Winnipeg stands in their way to leadership in the West. However, in Texas, they are well aware of the low value of a finishing sprint in the regular season. Last year, such a trick backfired on the team, and they simply ran out of steam in the conference finals against Edmonton. They definitely do not intend to repeat their mistake here, so they will try to distribute the load more evenly.
Match Results: Dallas Stars
📌 Probable Lineups
Columbus: Merzlikins - Fabbro, Werenski - Marchenko, Fantilli, Voronkov
Dallas: Oettinger - Harley, Ceci - Robertson, Hintz, Johnston
🥅 Goalkeepers
Columbus goalie Elvis Merzlikins seems to be finding stability for the first time in a while. The "Jackets" netminder has maintained a 90% save rate in three consecutive games and has helped the team secure three points during this stretch. In the first game after the break against Chicago, the Latvian even posted a masterful performance with a 96.4% save rate.
Dallas goalie Jake Oettinger's participation in the Four Nations Cup with Team USA seems to have been beneficial. The American showed excellent play against the Islanders and managed to save 91.9% of shots on goal. There are high expectations placed on him here, and so far, he is fully meeting them.
Editorial Prediction
Most of the recent matches of the "stars" have become quite high-scoring. The team plays in a rather attacking manner with a quick transition through the neutral zone. The depth of the offensive lines allows them to set the pace and maintain the initiative for most of the regulation time. Meanwhile, the "jackets" themselves are ready to capitalize on any defensive mistakes by the Dallas players. Thus, in 6 out of the last 7 head-to-head matches, Dean Evason's team wins with a handicap (+2.5). Despite the fact that the home team is considered underdogs, in our opinion, they are quite capable of maintaining the indicated handicap once again. Key bet - Columbus win with a handicap (+2.5).No comments
Betting Tips: Columbus Blue Jackets - Dallas Stars
in 8 of last 9 home games (NHL).in 13 of last 14 away games (NHL).in 8 of last 9 games (NHL).in 8 of last 9 games (NHL).in 9 of last 10 games (NHL).in 6 of last 7 away games (NHL).in 9 of last 10 games against Dallas Stars (NHL).in 8 of last 9 games (NHL).in 9 of last 10 games (NHL).in 6 of last 7 away games (NHL).in 8 of last 9 home games (NHL).
Other predictions
