Dallas Stars vs Nashville Predators

Overview

The Dallas Stars are set to host the Nashville Predators at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET. This Central Division matchup is crucial for both teams as they vie for playoff positioning. The Stars, currently in second place in the Central Division, are looking to extend their winning streak, while the Predators aim to close the gap and improve their standing.

Season Snapshot

Dallas Stars

• Record: 35-14-9
• Standings Position: 2nd in the Central Division
• Notable Trends: The Stars have been strong at home, boasting a 16-7-3 record at the American Airlines Center. Their power play is among the league's best, converting at a 30% rate, ranking second in the NHL. (foxsports.com)

Nashville Predators

• Record: 27-24-7
• Standings Position: 5th in the Central Division
• Notable Trends: The Predators have struggled on the road with an 11-12-4 record. Their power play operates at 22.22%, placing them 10th in the league. (foxsports.com)

Recent Form

Dallas Stars

• Last Five Games: 4-0-1
• Recent Results: The Stars are on a four-game winning streak, including a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken in their most recent game. (foxsportsthegame.iheart.com)
• Injuries: Defenseman Lian Bichsel is on long-term injured reserve and is expected to return on February 25. (espn.com)

Nashville Predators

• Last Five Games: 2-2-1
• Recent Results: The Predators are coming off a 4-2 win against the Chicago Blackhawks. (foxsportsthegame.iheart.com)
• Injuries: Goaltender Juuse Saros is on injured reserve and is expected to return on February 25. (espn.com)

Talking Points

• Stars' Home Advantage: Dallas has been dominant at home, winning five consecutive games at the American Airlines Center.
• Predators' Road Woes: Nashville's struggles on the road could impact their chances in this matchup.
• Power Play Efficiency: The Stars' top-ranked power play faces off against the Predators' 10th-ranked unit.
• Injury Impacts: The return of key players like Lian Bichsel and Juuse Saros could influence team dynamics.
• Playoff Implications: Both teams are battling for crucial points to secure a playoff spot.

Players to Watch

• Jason Robertson (DAL): Leads the Stars with 32 goals and 34 assists, totaling 66 points in 58 games. (foxsports.com)
• Mikko Rantanen (DAL): Second on the team with 20 goals and 49 assists, amassing 69 points in 54 games. (foxsports.com)
• Ryan O'Reilly (NSH): Leads the Predators with 21 goals and 36 assists, totaling 57 points in 58 games. (foxsports.com)
• Filip Forsberg (NSH): Second on the team with 25 goals and 23 assists, totaling 48 points in 58 games. (foxsports.com)
• Juuse Saros (NSH): Expected to return from injury, Saros has a 12-10-3 record with a 2.94 GAA and .897 SV% in 20 games against Dallas. (nhl.com)

Key Matchups & Storylines

• Stars' Power Play vs. Predators' Penalty Kill: Dallas's potent power play will test Nashville's penalty kill, which operates at 80%. (foxsports.com)
• Robertson and Rantanen vs. O'Reilly and Forsberg: The top lines of both teams are crucial in determining offensive success.
• Goaltending Battle: The return of Juuse Saros could provide a boost for Nashville, but Jake Oettinger has been solid for Dallas.

Fun Facts

• The Stars have won five of their last six games at Bridgestone Arena, dating back to October 13, 2022. (nhl.com)
• Roman Josi leads the Predators with 37 points (12 goals, 25 assists) in 55 games against Dallas. (nhl.com)
• The Stars' 30% power play conversion rate is the second-best in the NHL. (foxsports.com)

Things to Chirp About

• "Can the Stars continue their home dominance against the Predators?"
• "Will Juuse Saros make an immediate impact upon his return?"
• "How will the Stars' power play fare against Nashville's penalty kill?"
• "Is Jason Robertson the key to Dallas's offensive success tonight?"

Prediction

The Dallas Stars are likely to extend their home winning streak, leveraging their strong power play and home advantage. While the Predators' return of Juuse Saros could bolster their performance, the Stars' recent form and depth may prove decisive.