The Dallas Stars (7-4-1) will try to get back to winning ways when they face the Montreal Canadiens (7-3-2) on Thursday at the American Airlines Center.
Dallas is 44-78-25 all-time vs. Montreal, including a 24-35-15 mark on home ice.
Here’s what to know about the matchup.
When: Thursday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m.
Where: American Airlines Center
TV/streaming: Prime Video / ESPN+
Radio: Sportsradio 96.7/1310 The Ticket
The Stars have earned points in four of their last five games played against the Canadiens, outscoring Montreal 15-10 during that span. Forward Jason Robertson enters Thursday’s matchup riding a three-game point streak against the Canadiens, collecting five points (3 goals, 2 assists) during that span.
Through 10 career games played vs. Montreal, Robertson has tallied 11 points.
Forward Mikko Rantanen enters Thursday’s contest riding a two-game point streak against the Canadiens, earning three assists during that span. In all, Rantanen has totaled 17 points and three game-winning goals in 17 career games vs. Montreal.
Stars forward Wyatt Johnston has registered four points in his last three games played. Despite missing two games earlier this season due to illness, Johnston has recorded eight points tying for fourth among Stars skaters. In all, Johnston has compiled 271 points (136 goals, 135 assists) in 338 games played, leading all 2021 draftees in goals (136), assists (135), points (271) and power-play points (44 goals, 42 assists) while ranking second in game-winning goals (15).
Despite the recent 5-1 loss, defense and goaltending remain the Stars’ backbone this season. Dallas boasts one of the top defensive marks in the NHL, allowing just two goals per game. Goaltender Jake Oettinger has been stellar, entering the week with a 1.43 GAA, a .930 save percentage, and three shutouts. On special teams, the Stars’ penalty kill sits near the top of the league at 92.