Stars vs Bruins Picks and Prediction – 10/24/2024

The Dallas Stars (5-2-0) visit the Boston Bruins (3-3-1) in a non-conference matchup on October 24th. The Stars are coming off a 4-2 loss to Buffalo but are strong with a 5-2 overall record, despite a 1-2 road start. Boston has struggled for consistency to start the season, sitting at 3-3-1 overall but performing better at home with a 2-1-0 record. Both teams are looking to bounce back after losses in previous games. Hit the ice running with our NHL picks.

Dallas has been solid offensively, led by Roope Hintz with 7 points (3 goals, 4 assists). Logan Stankoven is another key playmaker, recording 7 assists. The Stars average 2.71 goals per game while managing only a 9.5% power play conversion rate, which has been a concern. Goaltender Jake Oettinger has been stellar with a 1.81 GAA and a .941 save percentage, giving the Stars a strong foundation in net. On the road, Dallas has struggled slightly..

Defensively, Dallas has been one of the best in the league, allowing just 1.86 goals per game and maintaining a stellar 95.5% penalty kill rate. Oettinger’s form has been crucial, and the ability to kill penalties has helped keep the Stars competitive in tough matchups. The team needs to maintain this level of defense, especially considering the injuries to key players like Tyler Seguin and Matt Dumba.

The Bruins' offense has been powered by David Pastrnak, who leads the team with 4 goals, while Brad Marchand has contributed 4 assists. The Bruins average 3.00 goals per game, which is respectable, but the power play is converting at only 13.8%. A bigger issue for the Bruins has been discipline, as the Bruins have racked up 100 penalty minutes this season. This has forced them to play shorthanded often, and the penalty kill sits at 82.9%. Goalie Jeremy Swayman has been reliable with a .911 save percentage, but Boston’s defense has allowed 3.43 goals per game.

On the defensive side, Boston has been inconsistent, especially in the past five games, where the Bruins have allowed an average of 2.3 goals per game. Swayman has faced a lot of pressure, especially with the Bruins allowing 31.1 shots per game. The injuries to key players like Matthew Poitras and Ian Mitchell on defense have been a challenge for Boston.

The Stars have been the better defensive team, and with Oettinger’s elite goaltending, they should be able to contain the Bruins’ attack. Dallas’ ability to capitalize on Boston’s penalty trouble could be the deciding factor. Final Score Prediction: Dallas Stars win 3-2.