The Dallas Stars [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars] are peaking at the right time, winning five of their last six games as they chase second place in the Central Division and home-ice advantage for a likely first-round playoff matchup with Minnesota. They host the Winnipeg Jets on Monday in a matchup very different from earlier in the season when Dallas [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars]was stuck in a slump. Since then, the Stars [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars]’ offense has come alive, outscoring opponents 20 to 14 during their recent surge, with scoring depth across all lines and Matt Duchene heating up after a slow start. Dallas [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars]has already beaten Winnipeg twice this season in one-goal road games, with the final two meetings now shifting to Texas. Winnipeg enters the game fighting to stay in the playoff race, having earned points in 10 of its last 14 games despite losing 10 of its last 17 overall, many by a single goal. The Jets continue to rely on a strong defensive structure that keeps games close, but offense remains an issue, with just 12 goals scored in their last seven games, half coming from their top line. As both teams push for postseason positioning, the matchup sets up as a high-intensity test of Dallas [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars]’ momentum against Winnipeg’s urgency, with Jake Oettinger and Connor Hellebuyck headlining a critical goalie duel. Stars Ride Recent Surge Into Divisional Clash With Playoff-Hungry Jets [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/a9892b90-c548-4cbd-b585-465e8ac01782.jpeg] Stars Ride Recent Surge Into Divisional Clash With Playoff-Hungry Jets Dallas ignites their offense in a playoff push, facing a gritty Jets squad determined to steal crucial points on the road. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars/game-day/stars-ride-recent-surge-into-divisional-clash-with-playoff-hungry-jets] DALLAS STARS’ EXPECTED LINE COMBINATIONS VS. WINNIPEG (MONDAY) Hryckowian - Johnston - Rantanen Robertson - Hintz - Bourque Steel - Duchene - Benn Back - Faksa - Erne Lindell - Heiskanen Harley - Lundkvist Capobianco - Petrovic Oettinger Image [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/7580a307-e387-4cc9-86ee-6eeb7a5cf1a7.jpeg] For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free [https://thehockeynews.store/products/print-subscription]. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
