Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. Our featured game of this edition is the Los Angeles Kings hosting the Vegas Golden Knights. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
We’re back from the Olympic break with the return of our NHL predictions. Buckle up for the intense stretch run going into the final two-plus months of the regular season.
NHL Predictions
Seattle Kraken vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Kraken 1-1 Stars
How to Watch: US TV: Fox 4; KING 5; Victory+; KONG; KHN; ESPN+
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
We open our first post-Olympics edition of NHL predictions with the rubber match between the Seattle Kraken and the Dallas Stars. Philipp Grubauer, who had a solid tournament for Germany, is the expected starter for the Kraken. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Prior to the break, Seattle was 6-4 in its previous 10 games. The Kraken are tied with the Anaheim Ducks for the last automatic Stanley Cup Playoff spot. Jordan Eberle leads the team in goals (20) and points (38) for the Kraken.
Casey DeSmith is the confirmed starter for the Stars, who are 7-3 in their last 10 games. The Olympic break came at a bad time as Dallas had won its last six games entering this Western Conference matchup. Dallas will be without leading scorer Mikko Rantanen for the next couple of weeks at least due to an injury he suffered for Finland at the Olympics. Leading scorer Jason Robertson has 32 goals and will be looking for something to prove after being snubbed for Team USA.
Seattle is fighting for a postseason spot, and Dallas is without a key player. However, the Stars should get the win.
Prediction: Stars win 4-2.