Line Combinations: Stars vs Canadiens

On Thursday, the Dallas Stars will look to bounce back from one of their most difficult losses in recent memory after suffering a disappointing 5-1 defeat to the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday. 

Standing in their way is a Montreal Canadiens squad that has been trending upward, winning six of its last eight games.

Dallas will aim to lean on its recent success against Montreal, having won six of the last nine meetings between the two teams. However, the Canadiens have taken two of the last three matchups, setting the stage for an intriguing showdown.

Goaltending could ultimately prove to be the deciding factor. Montreal is expected to turn to Jakub Dobes, who has struggled recently, surrendering 20 goals across his last four starts. His history against Dallas has been a tale of two extremes. 

In one outing, Dobes was pulled after allowing five goals on just 13 shots in a lopsided 7-0 loss. However, in his first career start against the Stars, he was outstanding, stopping 32 shots and allowing just one goal in a 3-1 Canadiens victory.

Dallas, meanwhile, will look to Jake Oettinger to deliver a strong performance between the pipes. Although he has lost his last two starts against Montreal, his overall career numbers against the Canadiens have been solid. 

Oettinger boasts a 5-2-1 record, a 2.66 goals-against average, and a .900 save percentage across eight career starts against Montreal. With both teams having plenty to prove, the battle between the goaltenders could play a pivotal role in determining Thursday's outcome.

It will also be an exciting night for one Trey Taylor, who is set to make his NHL debut versus Montreal. The 24-year-old was called up from the Texas Stars following the recent injury to Kyle Capobianco. The six-foot-two defenseman is in his second full professional season after signing with the Stars organization and has three assists in eight AHL games so far this season.

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Robertson - Hintz - Seguin

Steel - Johnston - Rantanen

Kiviranta - Hyry - Benn

Blackwell - Hryckowian - Seminoff

Harley - Heiskanen

Bichsel - Lundkvist

Taylor - Myers

Oettinger

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