Carolina Hurricanes vs Dallas Stars

Dallas has won its past two and five of six while getting outstanding goaltending, including a 4-2 victory over Tampa Bay on Saturday. The Stars have allowed only 2.0 goals per game in their past six games, and Jake Oettinger stopped 27 shots against the Lightning while improving to 11-3-0 this season with a 2.41 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage. Matt Duchene and Roope Hintz scored 58 seconds apart in the third period. Spencer Martin is likely in net for Carolina, and he is 1-2-1 with a 3.19 goals-against average. The Hurricanes have lost two in a row, including a 5-4 shootout defeat at Columbus on Saturday to complete a three-game road trip. Dallas is 8-2 in its past ten games against teams that allowed at least five goals in their previous game. The Hurricanes have lost four of five as home favorites of -110 to -150. Take the Stars.

First-place Dallas is anxious to halt a four-game skid. They're third in the NHL in goals scored (3.64 per game) and shooting percentage, while the defense is 14th in goals allowed. Dallas is 31-13 after allowing three or more goals in three consecutive contests, plus 20-8 on the road after allowing four goals or more. Carolina's offense is 16th shooting percentage and the team is 7-10 after a two-game unbeaten streak. These teams just met 11 days ago with Dallas winning, 4-2. Play Dallas as a Max Play. 

Carolina has won five of six scoring 17 goals. The offense is 11th in goals scored (3.33 per game), but the defense has the second-worst save percentage (.891). They're 15-7 OVER the total in non-conference games. Dallas is third in the NHL in goals scored (3.65 per game) and third in shooting percentage on a 32-19 run OVER the total. Dallas is 14-7 OVER the total in non-conference action, plus 27-12 OVER versus teams that allow 2.85+ goals per game. Play Carolina/Dallas OVER the total. 

Two of the best defensive teams in the NHL clash in what could be a Stanley Cup preview, depending how the second half goes. Carolina is seventh in goals allowed (2.63 pg) and No. 1 in shots on goal allowed but their power play hasn't been very good of late, just 2-for-21. Dallas is second in goals allowed (2.55 pg) and save percentage (.921). Dallas has given up 3 goals over the last three games, part of an 11-3-1 run UNDER the total. The Stars are 3-1-1 over the last five games with shutouts in all three of those wins. And Dallas is 15-7 UNDER the total in non-conference action, plus 45-29 UNDER at home against teams that average 3+ goals. Play Carolina/Dallas UNDER the total.