(7-11  -0.26 units)

Stars moneyline +127  2*

Despite being at the top of many radars in hockey, the Dallas Stars have not only been bad to start the year, but have also established themselves as the second worst team in the entire league through the first couple weeks.

Thankfully, it is early. While today’s matchup is a battle between two teams going in opposite directions, this is going to be a great chance for Dallas to figure things out.

First off, Pittsburgh has been undoubtedly red hot, ending two undefeated teams’ streaks and continuing to score well despite several significant injuries up front. However, this excellent recent play does not take away from the fact that the Penguins are still injured. Pittsburgh has been riding on pure will and experience, and will now have to run into another experienced group that is getting closer and closer to tipping things over despite their current four game losing streak.

Stars Head Coach Jim Montgomery has made it clear that he likes the progress he saw in Columbus on Wednesday, and was bold enough to even predict a win tonight. Normally, I do not put much stock in self proclamations, but this has got to be a good spot for the Stars veterans to play the game the right way tonight.

I am not going as far as to say that the Stars will right the ship entirely, but I will go out on a limb and say that Pittsburgh will choose today to take a night off in regards to the way they have been playing as of late.