Stars aim for Presidents' Trophy momentum against surging Devils. Robertson and Hughes duel as Dallas reshapes lines for a crucial matchup.
The Dallas Stars have secured their fifth consecutive playoff appearance and now turn their focus to strengthening their position. They are aiming to hold onto home ice advantage in the first round against the Minnesota Wild or potentially chase down the Colorado Avalanche for the Presidents’ Trophy, which would guarantee home ice throughout the playoffs.
Recently, the Stars have stumbled, losing three of their last four games, and will be eager to bounce back Tuesday against a surging New Jersey Devils team. Led by Jack Hughes, the Devils have won seven of their last ten and could present a bigger challenge than Dallas might expect, meaning the Stars will need to be at their best.
This will be the second meeting between the two teams this season, with Dallas taking the first matchup in a 3-0 shutout victory. The Stars will try to get back on track behind an offense that has been clicking, as four players are averaging a point per game or better over their last 12 contests. Jason Robertson has led the charge with 14 points in his last 11 games.
New Jersey will counter with Jack Hughes, who is riding high after his gold medal winning goal. He enters this game on a five-game point streak and has totaled 14 points over his last seven games. It sets up an exciting and meaningful matchup, especially for Dallas as they continue their push for the Presidents’ Trophy.
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Dallas Stars’ Expected Line Combinations vs. New Jersey (Tuesday)
Robertson - Johnston - Bourque
Bunting - Duchene - Benn
Steel - Hryckowian - Blackwell
Back - Hyry - Erne
Lindell - Heiskanen
Harley - Lundkvist
Bichsel - Myers
Oettinger
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