Stars Aim to Win Third Straight, Overcome Losing History versus Senators

The Dallas Stars take on the Ottawa Senators Thursday as they look to extend their winning streak to three. The Sens are expected to make it difficult as they've been rounding into form as of late with an 11-4-1 record over their last 16 games.

During their recent hot streak, Ottawa has started to play a much stronger defensive game with a 2.31 goals against average that looks far better than their 3.25 average in their prior 20 games.

Dallas should also put on a defensive showcase and could make this matchup very tight as their 2.25 home goals against average is top three in the league.

The Stars will need to win the defensive battle and be opportunistic with the chances they generate as history hasn't been on their side in this matchup. The Senators have won ten of their last 14 games against the Stars. However, Ottawa has struggled to win on the road with Dallas winning four of their last five matchups at American Airlines Center.

American netminder Jake Oettinger is confirmed to start between the pipes for the Stars and has dominated at home this season with a 12-4-1 record and a 2.15 goals against average. He is expected to clash against Finnish goaltender Leevi Merilainen, who would be making his sixth career NHL start.

The 22-year-old has stepped up in the absence of former Vezina trophy winner Linus Ullmark, who hurt his back and won't be starting for the Sens during their five game road trip. Merilainen has looked solid this season with a 2-1-0 record and a 2.68 goals against average. He is coming off a stellar 30-save performance on Sunday where he allowed just one goal against one of the best teams in the West in the Minnesota Wild.

The Stars hope to have some offence generated to keep the youngster on his toes and key Dallas forwards Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston are finally rounding into shape. The duo don't play on the same line together normally which makes it even more impressive how they've both been able to help carry the Stars to a couple of wins. The pair have a combined six goals and 13 assists for 19 points over their last eight games.

They hope to get the offence going in a game that with a win could lift the Stars over the Avalanche and into the third playoff spot for the Central Division. The Senators are desperately looking for a win as they rest in the second wild card spot and would love to get points while they can to stave off any rising teams in the East.

It promises to be a great game between two elite hockey clubs and if you want to check out the game at 7:00 CT on ESPN+ or Victory+ and you can also listen along on Sportsradio 96.7 and 1310 The Ticket. If you are interested in attending, tickets for Stars versus the Senators are reasonable with the lowest pair being sold for roughly $30USD.