Stars vs. Devils: What to Watch as Dallas Heads to Jersey
The Dallas Stars are back on the road and gearing up for a clash with the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night - the first of two meetings between these two clubs this season. While the final showdown is set for March 24 in Dallas, this one sets the tone.
Historically, the Stars have had the upper hand in this matchup, holding a 63-44-13 all-time record against the Devils. That said, their road record tells a different story at 27-28-4.
But recent history favors Dallas. The Stars have picked up points in nine of their last 11 games against New Jersey (8-2-1), and they’ve been dominant at Prudential Center, winning their last five games in Newark.
Let’s break down what’s working for Dallas, who’s heating up, and what to expect heading into this East Coast battle.
🔥 Players Riding Hot Streaks
Wyatt Johnston has quietly become a serious problem for New Jersey. The 20-year-old forward enters Wednesday riding a five-game point streak against the Devils, racking up eight points (4 goals, 4 assists) in that stretch.
In fact, Johnston has found the scoresheet in five of his six career games against New Jersey, averaging 1.33 points per game - tied for eighth among active players with at least three games played against the Devils. That’s elite territory.
Mikko Rantanen is another name to circle. The Finnish winger is on a four-game point streak of his own against New Jersey, with six points (4 goals, 2 assists) in that span.
Over his career, he’s tallied 18 points in 15 games against the Devils, averaging 1.20 points per game and carrying a +5 rating. Consistent, productive, and dangerous - exactly what you want from a top-line winger.
👀 Stars to Keep an Eye On
Jason Robertson is in the zone right now. After a monster November, where he put up 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists) in 15 games, he was named the NHL’s Second Star of the Month. He’s currently riding a two-game point streak and has 35 points in 26 games this season - leading the Stars and ranking sixth in the league.
Robertson’s pace is eye-popping. He’s tracking for a 50-goal, 110-point season - both would be career highs.
That 50-goal mark would tie for the fourth-most in a single season in Stars franchise history. Against New Jersey, he’s more of a playmaker than a scorer, with six assists in eight career games and a +5 rating.
Nico Hischier, the Devils’ captain, is also feeling it. He enters the matchup on a six-game point streak with 12 points (6 goals, 6 assists) in that span.
Through 26 games this season, he’s got 25 points and leads the team in even-strength scoring. He’s also tied for the team lead in goals and ranks near the top in takeaways and plus-minus.
Against Dallas, Hischier has nine points in 13 games - not quite Johnston levels, but still a steady contributor.
🏒 Defensive Depth Being Tested
The Stars’ blue line has taken some hits lately. Lian Bichsel is the latest to go down, and he’s expected to miss 6-8 weeks after a lower-body injury sustained in Sunday’s game against Ottawa.
According to head coach Glen Gulutzan, Bichsel’s injury is nearly identical to the one that’s kept Nils Lundkvist out since mid-October. Add Thomas Harley to the list - he’s been out since Nov. 13 - and suddenly, Dallas is missing three key pieces from its original defensive core.
That’s pushed the Stars to lean on their depth. Alexander Petrovic, a playoff-tested veteran, has stepped in and logged 25 games this season, contributing a goal and six assists.
Kyle Capobianco, now in his second year with the organization, has played 11 games and brings a power-play quarterback skill set. And Vladislav Kolyachonok, acquired in the Matt Dumba trade, has played six games this season and is showing off his skating and puck-moving ability.
“They can move,” Gulutzan said. “We’re usually a defending team, but now you add in some guys that can move, and Koly can really move the puck - that’s helped our group.”
What’s also helped? The top pairing of Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell has been nothing short of elite.
Heiskanen is averaging 25:52 of ice time per game - third-most in the NHL - while Lindell is logging 23:38. With Dallas in the middle of a grueling stretch - six games in nine nights - the top pair has shouldered a heavy load and done it efficiently.
“We’ve had to manage them, but they’re such a good pair that it’s hard to not have them on the ice,” Gulutzan said. “They’re great athletes, and they’re very efficient in those minutes.”
🔢 Key Numbers to Know
- 16-9-1: That’s New Jersey’s record heading into the game, good for fifth in the NHL with 33 points. It’s the best point percentage the Stars have faced since playing Anaheim back on Nov.
- 15.7: The Devils are fifth in the league in blocked shots per game. Dallas sits 15th at 14.7.
Expect both teams to be active in the lanes.
- 27: New Jersey has allowed 27 first-period goals - tied for most in the NHL. Dallas, meanwhile, ranks 20th in first-period scoring with 20 goals. If the Stars want to jump ahead early, this is the time to do it.
🎙️ Quote of the Day
“You have to be smart, for sure. Every guy needs something different, but you have to stay in the game mode as well.”
- Radek Faksa on managing six games in nine nights with heavy travel
Final Take
Wednesday’s matchup between Dallas and New Jersey isn’t just another game - it’s a litmus test. The Stars are dealing with injuries, grinding through a brutal schedule, and still finding ways to win. The Devils, meanwhile, are one of the league’s top teams right now and bring plenty of firepower.
Keep an eye on the Stars’ young guns, the top defensive pair, and how the depth pieces hold up under pressure. If Dallas can weather the early storm and play to their strengths, they’ve got a real shot to keep their Prudential Center streak alive.