Dallas Stars Odds - Penny-pinching management did nothing to improve team
The Dallas Stars odds are drastically different from what they were a year ago. Entering 2008-09, the Stars were a popular hockey betting sleeper to win the Stanley Cup. Now, they’re a poor team that missed the playoffs and may even earn a “rebuilding” label this season. Can they sneak up on anyone in the West?
Dallas Stars Odds: Stars acquired no help in offseason
- Forwards are young but solid; Morrow’s return a major plus
- Sergei Zubov’s loss is devastating for talent-poor defense corps
- One last chance for Marty Turco to show he can still start in goal at the NHL level
Dallas Stars odds maker breakdown: OFFENSE
The Stars aren’t flashy up front but they’re relatively deep. Mike Ribeiro and Brad Richards won’t win any scoring titles but they’re still two of the better playmaking forwards in the league. Loui Eriksson, fresh off an out-of-nowhere 36-goal campaign, is their top trigger man. Brenden Morrow’s return should do wonders for the Stars in every facet of the game and James Neal and Fabian Brunnstrom have major sniper upside. One red flag: Eriksson’s season was so unexpected, as was Steve Ott’s, that the Stars could see major regressions after career years from those guys.
Dallas Stars odds maker breakdown: DEFENSE
Dallas’ stay-at-home blueliners leave a lot to be desired. They didn’t keep the puck out of the net too well; the Stars’ 251 goals allowed was the sixth highest total in the league last season. They also may be the most offensively challenged defense corps in the league. How’s this for a stat; Washington defenseman Mike Green had 31 goals last season and Dallas’ top seven defenders combined for 25 goals. Ouch. With respect to the serviceable group that includes Stephane Robidas, Matt Niskanen and Trevor Daley, the Stars may have no true top-four defenseman. They’ll seriously miss Sergei Zubov’s presence on the power play.
Dallas Stars odds maker breakdown: GOALTENDING
Few NHLers face more pressure than Marty Turco this season. The 34-year-old netminder has regressed from All-Star to total dud over the last few years and is in the final year of his contract. He’s a phenomenal puck handler but a mediocre puck stopper right now. Unless he rebounds completely, 2009-10 is probably his Dallas swan song.
Dallas Stars odds maker breakdown: SPECIAL TEAMS
Special teams are a sore spot for Dallas – especially the power play. Online betting fans know the Stars were already horrible with the man advantage last season at 15.4 per cent (27th). Now the power play soldiers on without Zubov, one of hockey’s best power-play quarterbacks of the last 15 years. The Stars also lose foot speed on defense without Zubov, so they could have the NHL’s worst special teams this season.
Dallas Stars odds maker breakdown: SEASON OUTLOOK
Because their ownership had little money to spend, the Stars did nothing to improve in the offseason. They’re hoping to improve from within and, while Brenden Morrow’s return from a torn ACL will help, the Stars lack the talent to make the playoffs this season. Avoid them in sportsbook futures betting.
For full Dallas Stars odds and other sports betting tips, keep reading the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com. Don Melrose is BetOnline.com's hockey expert.
