Dallas Stars @ Atlanta Thrashers


The Dallas Stars will try and end their dismal 3-game losing streak against a team whom they've never lost to. Since the Atlanta Thrashers came into existence a few years ago, they have never beaten the Stars, losing by a combined score of 18-8. This game is another one on the must-win category; Dallas can jump back into second place with a win tonight.

The Stars may get back one of the key players that have been out with an injury. Rob DiMaio is now listed as a game-time decision by the Dallas Morning News, but still week-to-week by Dallas Stars.com. More and more evidence is suggesting that Marty Turco as well as Bill Guerin will not be playing until the playoffs. No offense to Ron Tugnutt, but this practically guarantees that the Stars won't be winning the President's Trophy this season.

The Thrashers are coming into their game against the Stars with their heads held high. They've won 2 straight games and 3 of their last 4 against the Devils, the Sabres, and the Blue Jackets. All-star MVP Dany Heatley has been adding his points to the mix, scoring the game-winner on a breakaway with under 15 seconds remaining.

The Dallas Special Teams haven't been playing par recently, giving up 2 goals against the Canucks and are not scoring with a consistency. The Thrashers on the other hand have been improving, though they are still ranked 15th and 20 on the PP and PK, respectively. They have been shooting to score on the PP and could do some damage against the Stars.

Even considering the fact that the Stars are on a 3-game losing for the first time this calendar year, I think that the record between these two teams gives the Stars a huge advantage. If the Stars come into this game thinking easy win however, they will be sorely mistaken and lose mightily.

Prediction: Dallas 2, Atlanta 2




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