Rangers vs Stars Prediction, picks and odds for tonight’s NHL game

The New York Rangers have been one of the NHL’s biggest stories over the past month. First, they trade away their captain, Jacob Trouba. Most recently, they dealt their former 2019 second overall pick in Kaapo Kakko. The Rangers have lost their identity and it shows in their 3-11-0 record over their last 14 games.

Tonight, the Rangers take on a Dallas Stars team coming off a loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Dallas is looking to get back in the win column, and the Rangers could be the perfect opponent to do it against, according to my Rangers vs. Stars predictions and NHL picks for Friday, December 20.

Rangers vs Stars Prediction

My best bet
Stars to win in regulation (-120 at FanDuel)

My analysis

The Dallas Stars have had a somewhat interesting season. They have been considered one of the Stanley Cup’s elite contenders, but they currently sit in third place in the Central Division.

Most of Dallas’ success this season has come on home ice, where they skate to a 13-4-0 record. Over their last 10 games, the Stars have averaged just 2.90 goals per game. But when it comes to playing at home, they have been much better, scoring 3.47 goals per game.

Jamie Benn and Jason Robertson have led the Stars in points recently with nine and eight respectively. But the two of them have only scored two goals each in that span, so the Stars need some more scoring from their best players.

Fortunately for Dallas, the New York Rangers offense has struggled even more than theirs. New York has scored just seven goals in their last five games, but to cut them some slack, they’ve been without their best offensive player for the last two games in Artemi Panarin. The Rangers are coming off a game against the Nashville Predators where they put 25 shots on goal but were shut out by Juuse Saros.

There aren’t many positive things to say about the Rangers. This 14-game stretch has been tough, but their last five games have been a complete disaster. They’ve scored just one power-play goal in 11 attempts and can’t get anything going. Adam Fox leads the team in points over the past five games with a goal and two assists as this forward group has gone quiet.

It won’t get any easier for the Rangers forwards tonight as they face Jake Oettinger, who is 16-8-0 this season with a .909 save percentage and 2.43 goals against average.

Oettinger gets some help from the group in front of him, as the Stars give up just 10.2 high-danger chances against 5-on-5 and allow 26.6 shots against per game (fifth best in the NHL), but Oettinger also boasts a +3 .4 goals saved more than expected. Oettinger was pulled in his last game but is expected to start tonight. He should be very motivated.

Rangers vs Stars parlay in same game (SGP)

Stars to win in regulation

Jason Robertson 3+ shots on goal

Below 5.5

Robertson hasn’t had the best start to this season with just seven goals in 31 games, but he has started to pick up his game of late. Robertson has averaged 2.99 shots per game.

So why take him to get 3+ shots on goal here? Because the Rangers have allowed the most shots against in the NHL (32.1) per match over their last 14 matches. Robertson should get a look at the net tonight.

Oettinger will most likely face Igor Shesterkin tonight, making for a good goalie matchup. Oettinger allowed four goals against on 12 shots in his last outing, but it was a very uncharacteristic performance. In his four starts prior to that game, Oettinger had posted a .929 save percentage and 1.74 goals against average.

Shesterkin is not the man to blame for how the Rangers have been playing lately. His numbers haven’t been the best, but he doesn’t get much help from the guys in front of him. In his last 10 starts, he is 2-8-0, but has a .904 SV% in that span.

Learn how to bet on the same game with these helpful tips and strategies.

Rangers vs Stars odds

Rangers vs Stars live odds

Rangers vs Stars opening odds

• Puck line: New York +1.5 (-170) | Dallas -1.5 (+138)
• Moneyline: New York +158 | Dallas -192
• Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-128) | Under 5.5 (+104)

Rangers vs Stars trend

The Rangers have lost 11 of their last 14 games in regulation. Find more NHL betting trends for Rangers vs. Stars.

How to watch Rangers vs Stars

Rangers vs Stars latest injuries

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