Jan 31, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin (46) and Vancouver Canucks center Aatu Raty (54) in action during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Vancouver Canucks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/24a40631-c739-4c28-a1d2-7759983744c7.jpeg] Jan 31, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin (46) and Vancouver Canucks center Aatu Raty (54) in action during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Vancouver Canucks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images The Dallas Stars [http://thn.com/dallas] will kick off their final homestead of the regular season tonight as they face off against the Vancouver Canucks. The Stars have walked away with wins in their two previous contests, while outscoring the Canucks 9-4. Dallas is coming off of a bumpy end to their brief road trip that saw them fail to pick up regulation points for the second consecutive game. This comes as the Stars begin to lose more ground on catching up to the division-leading Winnipeg Jets [https://www.nhl.com/stars/standings/2025-04-08/wildcard]. The Dallas Stars have limped their way back home following two-straight losses, with the most recent coming in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Minnesota Wild. Dallas did not fair any better in the prior to that, with a 5-3 home loss [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars/latest-news/late-blunder-costs-stars-in-5-3-loss-to-pittsburgh] to the Penguins. Dallas will look to get back on the winning track against the lowly Vancouver Canucks, whom carry a record of 4-4-2 in their last 10 games, while currently sitting eight points out of a playoff position in the Western Conference. On their March 9th [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars/game-day/stars-face-vancouver-amidst-canucks-battle-for-playoff-spot] meeting in Vancouver, the Stars took home a 4-1 win, despite being outshot and, and outplayed in the face off circle. The Stars saw production from their newest additions Mikko Rantanen and Mikael Granlund, whom both contributed goals to the cause, while defensemen Cody Ceci tallied two points. Wyatt Johnston Prepared for Bigger Role in Upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/d90cf557-11af-4b94-970d-f4afd664431b.jpeg] Wyatt Johnston Prepared for Bigger Role in Upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs Stars forward Wyatt Johnston has been a vital part of the Dallas offense all season long. The 21-year-old has made leaps and bounds in his development during his third season in the NHL by achieving a second consecutive 30-goal season. The Stars will look to Johnston to continue his play as Dallas will hope to make a deep run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars/players/wyatt-johnston-prepared-for-bigger-role-in-upcoming-stanley-cup-playoffs] The Stars will look to goaltender Casey DeSmith to man the crease tonight, as the veteran goaltender is coming off a disappointing performance in which he gave up four goals on 39 shots against the Pittsburgh Penguins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars/game-day/stars-look-to-build-on-win-streak-in-season-end-showdown-with-penguins]. The reliable backup is searching for his 15th win of the season, a mark he has not reached since the 2022-23 season. Veteran forward Matt Duchene will also be on the prowl in tonight's contest for his 80th point of the season, as well as his 30th goal. Tonight's puck drop is set for 7pm CDT, and can be viewed on Victory+.
