Welcome to the latest edition of NHL Predictions. In this series, our team here at Last Word on Hockey breaks down head-to-head matchups and other key elements that may influence the outcome of each game each day. This edition of NHL Predictions dissects the Friday, January 24, 2025 matchup between the Dallas Stars and the Vegas Golden Knights.
NHL Predictions
Dallas Stars vs. Vegas Golden Knights
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 1-0 Stars
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: ESPN; SN 360
The Stars and the Golden Knights meet for the second time this season, renewing last year’s first-round playoff matchup that went seven games.
These two teams have become quite familiar with each other, combining for five regular season Western Conference titles since Vegas’ debut season in 2017-18. Dallas was actually Vegas’ first opponent that year, and they have played highly competitive games since, including three playoff series.
The Stars visited Vegas on December 6 in their only previous meeting this season, falling 3-2. Vegas scored two power-play goals in that game and took the lead for good on a Nicolas Roy goal in the third period. Forward Mark Stone, who has been a thorn in Dallas’ side throughout his career, returned from injury during that game. He picked up an assist on a Thomas Hertl power-play goal in the first period.
Mavrik Bourque netted his first NHL goal on American soil (his first NHL goal came in Finland against Florida) and Mason Marchment scored in the third period to bring Dallas within a goal. However, Vegas goaltender Adin Hill made a series of stops over the final two minutes to preserve the win.
Outside of last season’s playoff series, Vegas has had Dallas’ number. The Golden Knights are 12-3-3 all-time against the Stars and 7-1-2 in games played in Dallas. Will that continue Friday night? NHL Predictions dives in.
The Stars Story
Dallas currently sits in third place in the Central Division, keeping itself within one point of the Minnesota Wild for weeks.
The Stars have been battling hot and cold streaks on offence — as most teams do — all season. Just when they appear to get going, an unexpected relapse occurs, leaving many to question what the team’s response will be. And it often comes after several games where scoring was prominent.
That’s exactly what Dallas faces against Vegas: a chance to respond to lackluster offence against one of the best teams in the league and a team with which it has struggled. It’s also a chance to finally jump the Wild in the standings and prepare for a potential late-season run.
The Stars have been sparked by the play of their forwards lately, with Jason Robertson, Wyatt Johnston, and Roope Hintz among those leading the way. Since returning from Christmas break, Robertson has picked up 20 points in 14 games. The Stars have won 10 of those, making things interesting down the stretch and Friday’s game even more critical. Johnston is also on a five-game point streak.
The Golden Knights Story
Vegas has 62 points on the season to claim first place in the Pacific Division, leading the Edmonton Oilers by a point. However, the Golden Knights are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games and have lost four in a row.
Nevertheless, Vegas is a team loaded with talent and one that Dallas head coach Pete DeBoer singled out as a threat in the playoffs because of its depth. Stone, Jack Eichel, and Hertl have been the top forwards this season, each with at least 36 points and 12 goals. Hertl has scored four goals in the last three games, while Pavel Dorofeyev has also been on fire. However, they will likely be without forward William Karlsson, who is listed as “week-to-week” with an injury.
The Golden Knights are also among the top 10 teams in goals allowed this season, meaning Dallas will have to fight through every challenge just to get on the board. Vegas goaltender Adin Hill is allowing 2.61 goals-against this season. But goaltending has been an issue during the losing streak. Hill has allowed 12 goals in January, including three games with at least three goals from opponents. Backup Ilya Samsonov has not fared better, losing his last three starts.
NHL Prediction
The Stars have been good at home, but Tuesday’s loss to Carolina might have been a sign of a looming scoring slump. Vegas plays well in Dallas, and this might be exactly the type of game the Golden Knights need to snap their skid: a tough matchup with possible playoff implications against a familiar opponent that is has played well. History says Vegas will win a close one, and we’re sticking to it.
NHL Predictions: Golden Knights win 3-1.
Prop Bets of the Night
Stone plays well against Dallas and is +210 for an anytime goal. Dorofeyev (+230) and Hertl (+300) are also appealing plays given their recent runs. For Dallas, Roope Hintz (+200) and Matt Duchene (+260) each have at least four goals against Vegas in their careers.
Main photo by: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions, some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
The post NHL Predictions: Jan. 24 Dallas Stars vs. Vegas Golden Knights appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.