The Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets open their second-round series tomorrow at Canada Life Centre. Dallas closed out Colorado with a 4-2 win, while Winnipeg advanced after a double-overtime thriller, edging St. Louis 4-3. The Stars are 50-26-6, while the Jets enter at 56-22-4. Both teams are rolling, but something has to give. Hit the ice running with our NHL picks.

Dallas had to grind through a physical series against Colorado, alternating wins and losses before sealing it in Game 6. Matt Duchene led the offense throughout the year and has kept it going with 82 points (30 goals, 52 assists), while Jason Robertson paced the team in goals with 35. The Stars' depth is solid, but injuries could be a concern with Miro Heiskanen and Jason Robertson both listed as day-to-day. Still, Jake Oettinger has been solid in net, posting a 2.59 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage. Casey DeSmith has proven reliable when called upon.

Defensively, Dallas allowed 2.71 goals per game and killed off 82% of penalties. The Stars' penalty minutes are relatively controlled at 572, and they’ve converted 22% of power-play chances. The offensive output of 3.35 goals per game matches Winnipeg’s, but defensively, they give up more shots and goals. Discipline and goaltending will be key, especially if Heiskanen can’t go on the blue line.

The Jets enter red hot at home, finishing 30-7-4 in Winnipeg and closing the series against St. Louis with a wild double-OT win. Kyle Connor has been the engine with 97 points, including 41 goals and 56 assists. His chemistry on the top line continues to be a difference-maker, especially on the man advantage, where he’s netted nine power-play goals. Winnipeg's physicality showed last round, and that’ll be a factor again in this series.

Defensively, the Jets have been a wall all year. They allow just 2.32 goals per game, led by goalie Connor Hellebuyck, who went 47-12-3 with a 2.01 GAA and .925 save percentage. They block shots, win physical battles, and while the penalty kill isn’t the best at 79.4%, the 28.9% power play makes up for it. Injuries to Mark Scheifele and Josh Morrissey are being watched closely, but both are expected back tomorrow.

Craig's 5 Free NCAAB Expert Picks - Saturday 12/9/23