Records & Standings: Dallas (50-21-4) sits 2nd in the Central Division with 104 points, having already clinched a playoff berth. Pittsburgh (30-34-12) is 7th in the Metropolitan Division with 72 points, nine points out of a playoff spot with six games remaining.
Recent Form: The Stars are hot, going 8-0-2 in their last 10 games. The Penguins are 5-3-2 in their last 10, showing signs of life but facing an uphill battle.
Head-to-Head: Dallas defeated Pittsburgh 7-1 earlier this season and has won the last four meetings. The Stars have points in eight of their last 10 home games against the Penguins (8-2-0).
Key Players (Stars): Jason Robertson is on fire (9 points in last 5 games), Mason Marchment has found his stride after injury (7 points in last 4 games), and goalie Casey DeSmith is expected to start against his former team. Captain Jamie Benn is doubtful (lower-body).
Key Players (Penguins): Sidney Crosby is riding an 11-game point streak (16 points) and leads the team with 82 points. Bryan Rust has also been contributing offensively (6 goals in last 10 games).
Why This Matters: For Dallas, it's about securing home-ice advantage and potentially the Presidents' Trophy. For Pittsburgh, every game is crucial to keep their faint playoff chances from extinguishing completely.
The Dallas Stars enter this contest as one of the hottest teams in the NHL, looking to extend their seven-game winning streak and solidify their position atop the Western Conference standings. Their recent success is fueled by balanced scoring and solid goaltending, highlighted by Jason Robertson's offensive surge (49 points since Jan 1, 5th in NHL) and Mason Marchment's effective return from injury, adding tenacity and scoring depth. Marchment's forechecking ability has been particularly praised by teammates and coaches.
Facing his former team, Stars goalie Casey DeSmith is expected to get the start. DeSmith played 134 games for the Penguins organization and Saturday marks his first career appearance against them. On the other side, while Pittsburgh's playoff hopes are dwindling, they possess dangerous offensive talent led by the evergreen Sidney Crosby, who is currently on an impressive 11-game point streak and recently hit the 80-point mark for the 14th time in his career. Goalie Tristan Jarry, if he starts, has historically played well against Dallas (.917 SV% in last 4 starts).
Despite Dallas being heavy favorites (-305 moneyline), some underlying metrics suggest Pittsburgh might be due for better results, ranking relatively well in expected goals for and against percentage over the past two months, while Dallas ranks lower in preventing high-danger chances during the same period. The Penguins have also covered the +1.5 puck line in seven of their last ten matchups against the Stars. However, Dallas's strong home record (28-7-2) and current form make them a formidable opponent, especially with Pittsburgh struggling on the road (11-20-7).
Q: What time is the Stars vs. Penguins game and where can I watch it?
A: The game is on Saturday, April 5th, 2025, at 2:00 PM CT / 3:00 PM ET at American Airlines Center in Dallas. You can watch it on ABC{:target="_blank"} and ESPN+{:target="_blank"}.
Q: Who are the key players to watch?
A: For Dallas, watch Jason Robertson, Mason Marchment, and goalie Casey DeSmith playing against his old team. For Pittsburgh, keep an eye on Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust.
Q: What are the playoff implications?
A: The Stars have already clinched a playoff spot and are playing for seeding and the top spot in the West. The Penguins are desperately trying to win games to stay in the Wild Card race in the East, though their chances are slim.
The Stars are red hot and playing at home, making them clear favorites.
The Penguins, led by Sidney Crosby's point streak, still pose an offensive threat and need points desperately.
Watch the goaltending matchup: Casey DeSmith faces his former Penguins teammates for the first time.
Mason Marchment's recent performance indicates he's fully recovered and contributing significantly to the Stars' top lines.
While an upset seems unlikely on paper, Pittsburgh has a history of keeping games close against Dallas recently (covering the spread).
Source 1: Game Day Guide: Stars vs Penguins | Dallas Stars{:target="_blank"}
Source 2: Penguins vs Stars Prediction, Picks & Odds | Covers{:target="_blank"} (Conceptual link based on content)
Source 3: Pens On 4: Pittsburgh Penguins to take on Dallas Stars | WTAE{:target="_blank"} (Conceptual link based on content)
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