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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s most reliable goal scorers. Winnipeg\u2019s ability to play aggressive hockey and generate pressure in the offensive zone has helped them compete against stronger opponents.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s most experienced and dependable netminders. If Hellebuyck performs at a high level, the Jets could keep the game close even on the road.<\/p>\n
Match Details<\/p>\n
MatchWinnipeg Jets vs Dallas StarsDateApril 2, 2026Time8:00 PM ETVenueAmerican Airlines CenterLocationDallas, TexasBroadcastESPN+, Victory+, TSN3<\/p>\n
Western Conference Standings Snapshot<\/p>\n
TeamPositionPointsColorado Avalanche1st108Dallas Stars2nd100Minnesota Wild3rd94Nashville Predators10th77Winnipeg Jets11th76<\/p>\n
Dallas have already secured a strong playoff position while Winnipeg are still trying to climb back into the race.<\/p>\n
Betting Odds<\/p>\n
MarketOddsMoneylineStars -160Jets+135Puck LineStars -1.5Total5.5 Goals<\/p>\n
Dallas enter the matchup as the favorite due to their stronger season performance and home advantage.<\/p>\n
Recent Form<\/p>\n
Dallas Stars \u2013 Last 5 Games<\/p>\n
DateOpponentResultApr 1BruinsLoss 3\u20136Mar 30FlyersLoss 1\u20132Mar 29PenguinsWin 6\u20133Mar 27IslandersLoss 1\u20132Mar 25DevilsLoss 4\u20136<\/p>\n
Dallas has struggled recently with only one win in their last five games.<\/p>\n
Winnipeg Jets \u2013 Last 5 Games<\/p>\n
DateOpponentResultApr 1BlackhawksWin 4\u20133Mar 29AvalancheWin 4\u20132Mar 27AvalancheLoss 2\u20133Mar 25Golden KnightsWin 4\u20131Mar 22RangersWin 3\u20132<\/p>\n
Winnipeg have been playing better hockey lately with four wins in their last five games.<\/p>\n
Head-to-Head Record<\/p>\n
DateResultFeb 3, 2026Stars 4 \u2013 Jets 3Dec 10, 2025Stars 4 \u2013 Jets 3Oct 10, 2025Stars 5 \u2013 Jets 4<\/p>\n
Dallas have won all three meetings this season, although each game has been very close.<\/p>\n
Projected Lineups<\/p>\n
Winnipeg Jets<\/p>\n
LinePlayers1Kyle Connor \u2013 Mark Scheifele \u2013 Alex Iafallo2Cole Perfetti \u2013 Adam Lowry \u2013 Gabriel Vilardi3Cole Koepke \u2013 Jonathan Toews \u2013 Brad Lambert4Isak Rosen \u2013 Morgan Barron \u2013 Parker Ford<\/p>\n
Defense Pairings<\/p>\n
DefenseJosh Morrissey \u2013 Dylan DeMeloDylan Samberg \u2013 Neal PionkHaydn Fleury \u2013 Elias Salomonsson<\/p>\n
Goalies<\/p>\n
GoaltendersConnor HellebuyckEric Comrie<\/p>\n
Dallas Stars<\/p>\n
LinePlayers1Jason Robertson \u2013 Wyatt Johnston \u2013 Mikko Rantanen2Jamie Benn \u2013 Matt Duchene \u2013 Colin Blackwell3Oskar Back \u2013 Justin Hryckowian \u2013 Mavrik Bourque4Arttu Hyry \u2013 Adam Erne<\/p>\n
Defense Pairings<\/p>\n
DefenseEsa Lindell \u2013 Miro HeiskanenThomas Harley \u2013 Nils LundkvistLian Bichsel \u2013 Ilya Lyubushkin<\/p>\n
Goalies<\/p>\n
GoaltendersJake OettingerCasey DeSmith<\/p>\n
Injury Report<\/p>\n
Dallas Stars<\/p>\n
PlayerStatusTyler SeguinOutRoope HintzOutRadek FaksaOutSam SteelOutMichael BuntingOutTyler MyersDay-to-dayNathan BastianOut<\/p>\n
Winnipeg Jets<\/p>\n
PlayerStatusColin MillerOutNino NiederreiterOutVladislav NamestnikovOutGustav NyqvistOut<\/p>\n
Dallas are dealing with several injuries to key forwards which could impact their offensive depth.<\/p>\n