The Winnipeg Jets travel to Texas to face the Dallas Stars on April 2, 2026, in an important Western Conference matchup at American Airlines Center. The game is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on ESPN+ and regional networks. Dallas enters the contest as one of the top teams in the conference and has already secured a strong playoff position, while Winnipeg are still battling for points to stay competitive in the standings. This contrast in motivation makes the matchup interesting because Dallas has the stronger season record, but Winnipeg have been playing with urgency in recent weeks. The Stars have one of the league’s best defensive records and an elite power play, while the Jets rely on strong offensive leaders like Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor to drive scoring chances. With both teams capable of producing offense and goaltenders who can steal games, this matchup could become a tightly contested battle.

Dallas has had a strong overall season, ranking among the best teams in the Western Conference with a balanced roster and reliable defense. However, their recent form has been inconsistent with several losses in the past week. Despite those struggles, the Stars remain dangerous at home and continue to rely on offensive threats such as Jason Robertson, Matt Duchene and Jamie Benn to generate scoring opportunities. Their power play has been one of the most effective units in the league this season and often creates momentum in close games.

Winnipeg, on the other hand, enters this game in better recent form. The Jets have been collecting important wins over the past few games and their attack has been productive. Mark Scheifele has been leading the offense with consistent scoring contributions, while Kyle Connor continues to be one of the team’s most reliable goal scorers. Winnipeg’s ability to play aggressive hockey and generate pressure in the offensive zone has helped them compete against stronger opponents.

The goaltending matchup also adds intrigue to this game. Dallas will likely rely on Jake Oettinger or Casey DeSmith, both capable of strong performances when the defense protects the crease well. Winnipeg counters with star goalie Connor Hellebuyck, who remains one of the league’s most experienced and dependable netminders. If Hellebuyck performs at a high level, the Jets could keep the game close even on the road.

Match Details

MatchWinnipeg Jets vs Dallas StarsDateApril 2, 2026Time8:00 PM ETVenueAmerican Airlines CenterLocationDallas, TexasBroadcastESPN+, Victory+, TSN3

Western Conference Standings Snapshot

TeamPositionPointsColorado Avalanche1st108Dallas Stars2nd100Minnesota Wild3rd94Nashville Predators10th77Winnipeg Jets11th76

Dallas have already secured a strong playoff position while Winnipeg are still trying to climb back into the race.

Betting Odds

MarketOddsMoneylineStars -160Jets+135Puck LineStars -1.5Total5.5 Goals

Dallas enter the matchup as the favorite due to their stronger season performance and home advantage.

Recent Form

Dallas Stars – Last 5 Games

DateOpponentResultApr 1BruinsLoss 3–6Mar 30FlyersLoss 1–2Mar 29PenguinsWin 6–3Mar 27IslandersLoss 1–2Mar 25DevilsLoss 4–6

Dallas has struggled recently with only one win in their last five games.

Winnipeg Jets – Last 5 Games

DateOpponentResultApr 1BlackhawksWin 4–3Mar 29AvalancheWin 4–2Mar 27AvalancheLoss 2–3Mar 25Golden KnightsWin 4–1Mar 22RangersWin 3–2

Winnipeg have been playing better hockey lately with four wins in their last five games.

Head-to-Head Record

DateResultFeb 3, 2026Stars 4 – Jets 3Dec 10, 2025Stars 4 – Jets 3Oct 10, 2025Stars 5 – Jets 4

Dallas have won all three meetings this season, although each game has been very close.

Projected Lineups

Winnipeg Jets

LinePlayers1Kyle Connor – Mark Scheifele – Alex Iafallo2Cole Perfetti – Adam Lowry – Gabriel Vilardi3Cole Koepke – Jonathan Toews – Brad Lambert4Isak Rosen – Morgan Barron – Parker Ford

Defense Pairings

DefenseJosh Morrissey – Dylan DeMeloDylan Samberg – Neal PionkHaydn Fleury – Elias Salomonsson

Goalies

GoaltendersConnor HellebuyckEric Comrie

Dallas Stars

LinePlayers1Jason Robertson – Wyatt Johnston – Mikko Rantanen2Jamie Benn – Matt Duchene – Colin Blackwell3Oskar Back – Justin Hryckowian – Mavrik Bourque4Arttu Hyry – Adam Erne

Defense Pairings

DefenseEsa Lindell – Miro HeiskanenThomas Harley – Nils LundkvistLian Bichsel – Ilya Lyubushkin

Goalies

GoaltendersJake OettingerCasey DeSmith

Injury Report

Dallas Stars

PlayerStatusTyler SeguinOutRoope HintzOutRadek FaksaOutSam SteelOutMichael BuntingOutTyler MyersDay-to-dayNathan BastianOut

Winnipeg Jets

PlayerStatusColin MillerOutNino NiederreiterOutVladislav NamestnikovOutGustav NyqvistOut

Dallas are dealing with several injuries to key forwards which could impact their offensive depth.

Also see: Washington Capitals vs New Jersey Devils prediction: Lineup, Last Games, Injury Report

Key Stats Comparison

CategoryJetsStarsGoals Scored2.853.33Goals Allowed3.032.73Shots Per Game26.225.4Power Play17.6%28.8%Penalty Kill78.5%80.6%

Dallas have advantages in scoring efficiency and power-play success.

Players to Watch

Winnipeg Jets

PlayerRoleMark ScheifeleOffensive leaderKyle ConnorTop goal scorerCole PerfettiPlaymaking center

Dallas Stars

PlayerRoleJason RobertsonLeading scorerMatt DucheneOffensive playmakerJamie BennVeteran leadership

These players are expected to influence the offensive production in this matchup.

Player Props

PlayerProp PickCole PerfettiUnder 2.5 ShotsJason RobertsonAnytime PointMark ScheifeleOver 0.5 Points

Player prop markets may focus on offensive leaders who generate most scoring chances.

Best Picks

Bet TypePickMoneylineStarsTotalOver 5.5SpreadJets +1.5

Dallas have the stronger roster but Winnipeg’s recent form suggests the game could remain close.

How to Watch Jets vs Stars

Fans can watch the game live on ESPN+ and regional networks. The matchup takes place at American Airlines Center in Dallas with puck drop scheduled for 8:00 PM ET.

Final Prediction

Dallas remain one of the strongest teams in the Western Conference and their defensive structure often makes the difference in close games. Winnipeg has momentum and motivation, but the Stars’ home advantage and offensive depth could help them control the pace.

Predicted Score”
Stars 4 – Jets 3