The upcoming match between the Anaheim Ducks and the Dallas Stars, scheduled for March 18, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET at the American Airlines Center, is shaping up to be significant for both teams as they navigate their contrasting trajectories this NHL season. With the Ducks struggling to maintain playoff eligibility and the Stars aiming for a strong playoff push, the stakes have never been higher.
Currently, the Ducks are hovering around the bottom of the standings, facing challenges to their playoff aspirations. Having played 67 games this season, their record stands at 29 wins, 31 losses, and 7 overtime losses. Mason McTavish, one of the young stars for Anaheim, has recent anytime goal odds set at +330, enticing bettors to expect him to make his mark against the formidable Stars.
Throughout the season, McTavish has made contributions, scoring goals consistently, with 15 goals over 61 games. Despite these efforts, he faced challenges during the previous matchup against the Stars where he went without scoring, taking only two shots. This season's efforts include scoring two points (0 goals, 2 assists) against the Blues on March 16, but overall, the Ducks have been inconsistent, struggling to keep pace with playoff rivals.
According to predictions from Last Word on Hockey, Ducks have higher odds of receiving the 1st overall pick than making the playoffs now. This alarming statistic underlines the harsh reality the Ducks face as they confront the Dallas Stars, who are positioned quite differently.
The Stars, on the other hand, are riding high on confidence with their recent performances. With 42 wins out of 66 games played, their record displays their ability to not only maintain but capitalize on their playoff position. Notably, they are currently enjoying a seven-game home winning streak and are positioned as serious contenders for the Stanley Cup. Their performance against previous opponents, including playoff-caliber teams, has cemented their status as one of the elite teams this season.
Jason Robertson has been instrumental to Dallas’s success, contributing four goals over his last five games. The overall depth and structure of the Stars’ lineup has helped them maintain strong offensive and defensive performances. This balance is evident not just statistically, as they have only conceded 173 goals this season, ranking them fourth for least goals allowed across the league, averaging just 2.6 per game.
On the injury front, the Stars may be resting key players, and Casey DeSmith is set to start for Dallas, boasting impressive season metrics with a 2.42 goals-against average and .914 save percentage. This setup potentially offers the Stars the opportunity to give their star goalie Jake Oettinger some much-needed rest before their forthcoming game against Tampa Bay on March 20, 2025.
Projected lineups suggest both teams will be deploying their most competitive rosters. The Ducks will feature McTavish alongside his fellow forwards, as head coach has opted to field the most effective units possible. Likewise, the Stars will present their star-studded lineup, with players like Mikko Rantanen and Roope Hintz playing pivotal roles.
The Ducks' recent form shows troubling trends where they have struggled considerably against teams they should ideally be defeating, exhibited by their 1-4 record against playoff rivals over their last ten games. This pivotal matchup against the Stars could either reignite hope for Anaheim or push them closer to the edge of elimination.
If any outcome defines the urgency of the Ducks’ performance, it would be to leverage their youth and energize their chances for next season following their disappointing run. Gaining chemistry among the younger lineup is key, as they look to avoid another long offseason filled with uncertainty.
The excitement doesn’t end at the game itself, as fans are also keeping their eyes on prop bets and potential scoring opportunities. Alongside McTavish’s goal line, individuals should also look out for Wyatt Johnston, who has goal odds sitting at +195, adding to the variety of night-long betting options.
Given the Ducks' desperation, they might be expected to come out strong, setting the stage for compelling opportunities as they throw their best efforts to break the losing streak. Yet, the overarching narrative revolves around playoff positioning, with the Stars fully aware of their potential impact on whether they cement their foothold heading toward the playoffs.
This clash between the Ducks and the Stars promises to deliver end-to-end action, thrilling plays, and the chance for young players like McTavish to prove their mettle on national television. Just as the game will reveal who is the more adept team on the ice, it also gives bettors insight as they navigate the possibilities of scoring and match outcomes. The Ducks aim to shift the narrative on their season, and the Stars seek to assert their dominance, making for one compelling contest.
