Carolina Hurricanes vs Dallas Stars Betting Picks

October is not a time to panic in the NHL. But concern is rising about the Stars. Dallas has lost four in a row. The Stars have scored only seven goals during this time frame, averaging 1.7 per game. If Dallas continues to struggle offensively, it must emphasize defense. That's what the Stars did in their last game, a 3-2 home overtime loss to the Kings this past Thursday. Dallas held the Kings to 25 shots on goal. Now the Stars host the Hurricanes. Carolina is the second-highest scoring team in the league. However, this is the tail end of a five-game road trip for the Hurricanes. It is Carolina's sixth game in 12 days. Despite their scoring prowess, the Hurricanes only rank 31st on the power play. They are the sixth-best team in killing penalties. These two special teams' statistics are a plus for the UNDER. Dallas is projected to start its best goalie, Jake Oettinger, while Carolina is likely to go with its starter in net, Frederik Andersen. He just made 44 saves in the Hurricanes' 5-4 victory against Colorado two days ago. If Carolina chooses to rest Andersen, they would go with Brandon Bussi, who in two NHL starts has a 1.97 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage. Take the UNDER.

Carolina has lost 10 of 13 road games although the Hurricanes did manage to get a 4-3 overtime win at Chicago last night, but now they have to play a back-to-back. The Hurricanes have lost 13 of their past 19 at Dallas and the Stars have won nine of their past 12 after defeating Detroit 4-1 on Sunday. The Stars scored three first-period goals and Jake Oettinger had 33 saves against the Red Wings. Dallas has won four of its five home games and Oettinger is 23-10-1 with a 2.26 goals-against average. He has allowed only five goals his past four games and the Stars have won seven of his past eight starts. Dallas has won 17 of 24 home games this season and it has gone UNDER six straight against the Eastern Conference. Carolina is 3-0-1 UNDER its past four games and it is 5-1-1 UNDER as a road underdog. The Stars are 6-1 UNDER as favorites of -110 to -150. Take the Stars and the UNDER.

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.