The St. Louis Blues and the Dallas Stars meet Friday at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas for the NHL regular-season opener for both sides. Puck drop is set for 9 p.m. ET (TNT / truTV). Let's analyze NHL odds around the Blues vs. Stars odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
2025-26 season series: Stars won 3-1
The Stars did win each of the final 3 meetings last season, but all of those victories were 1-goal wins. Dallas has won 7 of the past 8 meetings, although 7 of the past 10 encounters have been decided by a single goal. The Over-Under split 2-2 in the 4 regular-season meetings, with the Under going 6-3 in the past 9 in the series.
St. Louis posted a 17-19-5 road record last season, while Dallas went 26-11-4 at home, posting
a plus-53 goal differential with 112 points. It was one of the best teams in the Western Conference, while posting the third-most points in the NHL.
The Blues added D Brandon Carlo to help the blue line, while F Brayden Schenn was shipped out for F Jonathan Drouin, a minor-leaguer and draft picks. F Nick Bjugstad also adds veteran leadership and experience, as does F Connor McMichael.
The Stars didn't add a lot in the offseason, and major tweaks weren't needed. But, F Tyler Seguin (knee) looks to return from an ACL injury, so that is like a major addition if he is 100 percent. The veteran F Matt Duchene begins the season on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), however.
Watch the NHL on Fubo!
Blues at Stars odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:48 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Blues +158 (bet $100 to win $158) | Stars -194 (bet $194 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blues +1.5 (-164) | Stars -1.5 (+134)
- Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -130 | U: +106)
Blues at Stars projected goalies
Joel Hofer (24-13-5, 2.61 GAA, .910 SV%, 6 SO in 2025-26 regular season) vs. Jake Oettinger (35-12-6, 2.59 GAA, .899 SV%, 4 SO in 2025-26 regular season)
The 26-year-old Hofer posted an 11-7-0 record, 2.55 GAA and .909 SV% with 2 SO on the road last season. He did not face the Stars, however, at any point.
Oettinger is still just 27 years old, and it seems like he has been around much longer. He was nearly unbeatable at home in 2025-26, going 20-5-4 with a 2.50 GAA and .902 SV% with 3 of his season's 4 shutouts. He was 3-1-0 with a 2.77 GAA and .874 SV% in 4 starts against the Blues last season.
Blues at Stars picks and predictions
Prediction
Stars 3, Blues 2
Moneyline
The Stars (-192) will set you back nearly 2 times your potential return, and that's way too much risk for not nearly enough reward. It's a new season, and we don't know for certain that Dallas will be as good at home as it was last season, and that's too much to risk.
PASS.
Puck line/Against the spread
The BLUES +1.5 (-164) are not priced out of line if you'd like a little insurance, but you can't bring yourself to take St. Louis straight up. Again, the 3 wins by Dallas last season came by 1 goal each. And, 7 of the past 10 in the series have been 1-goal games, so the Blues are worth a look.
Over/Under
UNDER 5.5 (+106) is the lean, but go with a half-unit play at best.
We have 2 tremendous goaltenders facing off in the Metroplex, and this should be a game with few offensive opportunities. The Under is 6-3 in the past 9 meetings since Dec. 27, 2023.
Best prop bet
Stars F JASON ROBERTSON - ANYTIME GOAL SCORER (+140) is the chalk, in terms of anytime goal scorer, but it is worth the play. He had 2 goals and 6 points in 4 meetings with St. Louis last season.
Betting odds calculator
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Follow Daniel Dobish on X at @danieledobish. Follow SportsbookWire on X at SportsBookWire and on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: St. Louis Blues at Dallas Stars odds, picks and predictions
Advertiser disclosure: USA TODAY may earn a commission when you sign up through links on this page. Commissions never influence our editorial coverage or rankings. Offers and odds were accurate at publication and are subject to change; terms apply — see the operator’s site. This is general information, not betting, legal or financial advice. To the fullest extent permitted by law, USA TODAY is not liable for losses arising from your use of it.
Must be 21+ (18+ where permitted). Sports betting and casino gaming are not legal everywhere; complying with the laws where you are located is your responsibility. Gamble only with funds you can afford to lose. Gambling problem? Help is available 24/7 — call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET. State helplines and responsible gaming resources.
