The Dallas Stars had great success against Minnesota, they actually won the last 8 meetings in Dallas. Goalie Marty Turco has a lifetime record of 11-4-1 against the Wild with a good 1.96 GAA. Add the fact that Wild star Marion Gaborik is out for Minnesota. That's mainly why you have a good dose of action on Dallas tonight. We have seen a 5 to 10 cents line move in the last hour.
However, bettors and oddsmakers have not really taking into account 2008-2009 play into the equation. My power rankings basically put Minnesota in the top 5 of the NHL right now while the Dallas is ranked around the 20 th position. The Wild has performed well in a team concept with amazing results on the special units (PK, PP). On the other hand, Stars defense is in trouble. Poor goaltending and bad defensive coverage the main problems.
Dallas game is not close from the respect they are getting tonight from the oddsmakers. Minnesota is a tough team to go against at the moment specially when you have a defense looking for answers. Furthermore, Marty Turco impressive record against the Wild will not be a factor tonight. Turco is sitting this one. Tobias Stephan is getting the start. Stephan is a prospect but he is making only his second career start and getting in front of the Stars net right now could be a problem.
I like Minnesota value. Will go with Wild to stop the streak. Minnesota with edge on the special units. Tough test for Stars rookie goalie.
Minnesota (+135)
However, bettors and oddsmakers have not really taking into account 2008-2009 play into the equation. My power rankings basically put Minnesota in the top 5 of the NHL right now while the Dallas is ranked around the 20 th position. The Wild has performed well in a team concept with amazing results on the special units (PK, PP). On the other hand, Stars defense is in trouble. Poor goaltending and bad defensive coverage the main problems.
Dallas game is not close from the respect they are getting tonight from the oddsmakers. Minnesota is a tough team to go against at the moment specially when you have a defense looking for answers. Furthermore, Marty Turco impressive record against the Wild will not be a factor tonight. Turco is sitting this one. Tobias Stephan is getting the start. Stephan is a prospect but he is making only his second career start and getting in front of the Stars net right now could be a problem.
I like Minnesota value. Will go with Wild to stop the streak. Minnesota with edge on the special units. Tough test for Stars rookie goalie.
Minnesota (+135)