The Dallas Stars are heading into Thursday night’s matchup with a clear mission: stop the bleeding.
After dropping eight of their last ten games, Dallas finds itself in the middle of a tough skid that’s threatening to derail what was once a promising season. Their final stop on this extended road trip? Salt Lake City, where the surging Utah Mammoth await - a team that’s been trending in the opposite direction, going 9-5-1 over their last 15 games and currently holding firm to the top wild card spot in the Western Conference.
For the Stars, this game isn’t just about two points in the standings - it’s about momentum, identity, and proving they can still hang with playoff-caliber teams.
A Familiar Foe, A Challenging Setting
Dallas has had Utah’s number historically, winning four of their five all-time meetings. The only blemish came late last season in a home loss, but the Stars remain undefeated in Salt Lake City.
That streak, however, is under serious threat. Utah’s playing with confidence, and their offense has found its rhythm at just the right time.
The Mammoth have scored 26 goals in their last seven games - that’s nearly four per contest - and they’re doing it with depth scoring and a fast-paced attack that’s tough to slow down once it gets rolling. For Dallas, that means the defensive effort will need to be sharp, focused, and, frankly, better than it’s been lately.
Defensive Woes and a Need for Urgency
There’s no sugarcoating it: Dallas’ defense has been leaky. Over their last ten games, the Stars have given up 35 goals - an average of 3.5 per game - and too often, they’ve been chasing games rather than dictating them. Defensive zone breakdowns, missed assignments, and an inability to clear the crease have all contributed to this rough stretch.
Goaltending hasn’t been the issue alone, but Jake Oettinger will need to be sharp against a Utah team that isn’t shy about firing pucks on net. The Stars’ blue line, led by Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell, has to tighten up if Dallas wants to avoid turning this road trip into a full-blown disaster.
Offense Keeping Them Afloat
If there’s a silver lining, it’s that the offense hasn’t completely dried up. Dallas is averaging 2.8 goals per game over this ten-game stretch, with 28 total goals scored. That’s not elite, but it’s enough to stay competitive - if the defense can hold up its end of the bargain.
The forward lines show a mix of experience and youth. The top line of Steel, Johnston, and Rantanen brings skill and speed, while the second unit - featuring Robertson, Hintz, and Bourque - has the potential to be a game-breaker if they find their chemistry. Veterans like Jamie Benn and Matt Duchene add grit and leadership on the third line, and the fourth line brings some physicality and defensive reliability.
Projected Lineup vs. Utah
Here’s how the Stars are expected to line up Thursday night:
Forwards:
- Steel - Johnston - Rantanen
- Robertson - Hintz - Bourque
- Benn - Duchene - Hryckowian
- Back - Faksa - Bastian
Defense:
- Lindell - Heiskanen
- Harley - Lundkvist
- Capobianco - Petrovic
Goaltender:
- Oettinger
This lineup gives Dallas a balanced attack, but the key will be execution. The Stars need more from their top six, especially in transition and on the power play. Utah’s not a team you want to chase on the scoreboard, so striking first - and playing with structure - will be crucial.
What’s at Stake
With the Western Conference playoff race tightening, every game takes on added weight. For Utah, a win helps solidify their wild card position. For Dallas, it’s about stopping the slide and proving they’re still a team to be taken seriously in the postseason hunt.
This one has all the makings of a high-stakes, tightly contested battle. If Dallas can rediscover its defensive identity and get a few timely saves from Oettinger, they’ve got a shot to end this road trip on a much-needed high note.
But if the defensive issues linger and Utah’s offense keeps humming? The Stars could be looking at their ninth loss in eleven games - and a lot more questions heading into the second half of the season.