The Dallas Stars will host the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday night for Game 4 of their Western Conference semifinal series. Puck drop is set for 8:00PM ET at American Airlines Center. The Stars lead the series 2-1 after winning 5-2 at home on Sunday.
Winnipeg finished the regular season first in the Central Division, while Dallas was second. The Jets have now lost eight straight road playoff games, including all four this postseason. A win here would tie the series before heading back to Winnipeg.
STARS Preview – Can They Keep the Pressure On?
Dallas bounced back in Game 3 with a strong performance. Mikko Rantanen led the way with a goal and two assists, giving him 18 points so far in the playoffs. The Stars also got key contributions from Alexander Petrovic and goalie Jake Oettinger.
The Stars have been good at controlling five-on-five play, holding Winnipeg to under 5 expected goals over the first three games. Their defense has stayed strong, and they’ve responded well each time the Jets have tied the series or made a push.
Dallas has a chance to take full control with a win here. They’ve made the conference finals the past two years and are two wins away from doing it again. Their depth and home crowd give them an edge going into Game 4.
JETS Preview – Can the Road Struggles End?
The Jets were tied 2-2 in Game 3 before giving up two quick goals in the third period. That loss dropped them to 0-4 on the road this postseason. Winnipeg has not won a road playoff game since April 2023.
Connor Hellebuyck has been under pressure, giving up nearly 10 goals below expected so far in the playoffs. Josh Morrissey and the rest of the defense will need to tighten up, especially against Dallas’ top scorers like Rantanen.
Winnipeg still controls home ice if they can steal one in Dallas. The Jets have the regular season numbers, but the pressure is building with each road loss. A stronger showing in net is a must if they want to tie this series.
Betting Prediction
The total is set at 5.5 and both teams have shown signs of tightening up defensively. Two of the first three games went under the total. Dallas has held the Jets to low shot quality, while Hellebuyck is expected to bounce back with a better effort.
Dallas is the favorite and has more recent playoff success, but Winnipeg’s urgency makes this one close. The total feels like the safer play. Look for a low-scoring game with tight defense on both ends.
Pick: Under 5.5
This should be a great game. We expect both teams to play well. Both teams to play great defense. Low scoring game. Take the under in this one!
