Dallas Stars vs Nashville Predators prediction: Dallas edges a close game
The Dallas Stars will beat the Nashville Predators, 3-2, with last season’s 50 wins and plus-51 goal differential providing the strongest reason to favor Dallas. The Stars’ scoreless opener, Matt Duchene’s absence and a second game in two nights narrow that advantage. Neither the supplied puck-line prices nor Under 5.5 (+112) offers a strong enough case for an actionable wager. The official recommendation is Pass.
Dallas Stars vs Nashville Predators prediction and best bet
Dallas gets the pick because its full-season results carry more weight than either team’s opening loss. The Stars finished 2025-26 at 50-20-12, compared with Nashville’s 38-34-10. Their 273 goals scored and 222 allowed provide a credible foundation for expecting a recovery after being shut out by St. Louis.
The forecast is Dallas Stars 3, Nashville Predators 2, with low confidence. Nashville has the more favorable turnaround after opening on October 1, while Dallas played October 2. That scheduling difference and Duchene’s injury temper the historical advantage. Best bet: Pass. Picking Dallas to finish ahead is easier than finding value in a two-goal winning margin or a precise scoring ceiling.
Odds, game time and how to watch
Game: Dallas at Nashville, October 3, 2026, in the 2026-27 NHL season. Puck drop: 7 p.m. CT, also listed as 8 p.m. EDT.
Venue: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee.
Records: Dallas Stars 0-1; Nashville Predators 0-1.
SportsJaw moneyline: Dallas -130; Nashville +110.
SportsJaw puck line: Dallas -1.5 (+185); Nashville +1.5 (-225).
SportsJaw total: Over 5.5 (-138); Under 5.5 (+112). Those are the prices used for the recommendations below.