Dallas Stars vs. Winnipeg Jets – Game 1 Preview & Best Bets (May 7, 2025)
Two teams coming off a seven-game series are going into Game 1 with very little rest and a lot on the line. Winnipeg finished up with the NHL’s best regular-season record and opened Round 2 at home. Dallas, a team that is built for postseason wear-and-tear, makes the trip north after a tough win over Colorado.
- Series: —
- Matchup: Dallas Stars (50-26-6) vs. Winnipeg Jets (56-22-4)
- Date & Time: Wednesday, May 7, at 9:30 pm ET
- Location: Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg, MB
- Broadcast: ESPN
Why This Game Matters
There won’t be a warm-up period—Winnipeg and Dallas are going straight into what could be the closest series of the second round. Game 1 gives us an early read on where the gaps are and who will be able to take advantage of them first.
- Second-round opener: Both teams went the distance in Round 1 and will be tested early again. There’s no cushion in this series. Whoever controls the pace first will be out front in terms of pace for the next week.
- Presidents’ Trophy spotlight: The Jets had the best regular-season mark in the league, but that doesn’t guarantee anything in May. All eyes will be on how they handle the pressure in Game 1.
- Dallas is getting healthier: The Stars started Round 1 short-handed but leaned on their depth and defensive structure. Some main players are now back in the lineup, which means that they’ve got more ways to pressure Winnipeg’s top lines.
- Goaltenders: Jake Oettinger is back in form, and Connor Hellebuyck might be the hardest goalie to beat this season. If Game 1 is a low-scoring game, Hellebuyck is the reason.
- Style battle: Dallas is disciplined, patient, and built to frustrate its opponents. Winnipeg throws bodies, pushes the puck north, and looks to force mistakes.
Team Comparison
Dallas and Winnipeg each bring different strengths and styles to the ice. The Stars rely on good puck management, responsible shifts, and solid scoring timing. Winnipeg plays with speed, applies pressure from all sides, and forces turnovers in transition.
Dallas Stars
- Regular Season Record: 50-26-6
- Key Players
- Mikko Rantanen: 5 goals, 7 assists in Round 1
- Jake Oettinger: 2.59 GAA, .909 SV%
- Round 1 Recap: Beat the Colorado Avalanche in 7 games
Dallas had to earn their way through a really physical, closely contested series. Rantanen came through during key moments, and Oettinger’s play got better as the games tightened. And with more of their core back in action? They’re better equipped heading into Winnipeg.
Winnipeg Jets
- Regular Season Record: 56-22-4
- Key Players
- Kyle Connor: 4 goals, 8 assists in the postseason
- Connor Hellebuyck: 2.01 GAA, .925 SV%
- Round 1 Recap: Knocked out the St. Louis Blues in 7 games
Winnipeg plays fast, forces mistakes, and capitalizes off of the rush. Connor’s been super consistent, and Hellebuyck continues to be the chief stabilizer in the net. The Jets haven’t had to rely on only one line—secondary scoring has shown up, and they’ve worn teams down with solid puck control and sustained zone time.
Head-to-Head This Season
Winnipeg came away with three wins in four meetings, but the scoreboard didn’t always tell the whole story. Most of the games were low-scoring, super physical, and driven by special teams and goaltending.
- Season Series: Jets won 3 out of 4
- Most Recent Matchup: April 10, 2025 — Winnipeg 4, Dallas 0
That April meeting was all Jets. Hellebuyck batted away everything Dallas threw at him, and the Stars had a really hard time finding clean looks. Winnipeg controlled the flow and made life difficult in the neutral zone, and they’ll try to repeat it in Game 1.
Betting Odds & Lines
The betting markets are showing just how evenly matched these teams are for Game 1. Current odds from BetMGM show a near pick’em scenario, which only emphasizes how tight the competition is expected to be in this series.
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
Stars | +1.5 (-295) | -115 | Over 5.5 (-120) |
Jets | -1.5 (+210) | -105 | Under 5.5 (+100) |
Yesterday Betting Odds
- Moneyline: Dallas Stars -110 | Winnipeg Jets -105
- Puck Line: Stars -1.5 (+200)
- Total Goals (Over/Under): 5.5
These lines suggest a closely contested game, with the total goals line indicating expectations of a moderately low-scoring affair.
For the latest and most accurate odds, as they could change, go to BetMGM’s NHL odds page or your sportsbook of choice!
Best Bets
The market is pretty balanced going into Game 1, but a few bets have solid value based on the recent form, matchups, and how both teams have handled the playoff pressure.
- Over 5.5 Total Goals: Scoring hasn’t been an issue for either side thus far. Winnipeg’s transition game gives them high-quality chances, and Dallas has picked up some steam on the man advantage. If special teams come into play? The total has a really good chance of clearing.
- Kyle Connor Anytime Goal Scorer (+120): Connor has been Winnipeg’s most consistent finisher and continues to generate chances in dangerous areas. His timing and positioning around the net, especially when on home ice, make this a solid target if you’re looking at player props.
- Stars Moneyline (-110): Dallas just came through a physically demanding series against Colorado and looked more composed as it wore on. With reinforcements back in the lineup and Oettinger trending in the right direction, this price is fair for a group that plays really well while they’re on the road.
Game 1 Prediction: Who Sets the Tone?
Game 1 usually shows which team is better prepared, which line combos are working, and how well each side can handle the pressure after a long series. Fatigue, adjustments, and early mistakes could make all of the difference.
– Winnipeg finished the regular season with the top record, but that puts a bigger target on their back. They’ll need a clean start to keep momentum from slipping away.
– Dallas just came through a rough series and looked better in the later games. With more lineup stability, they could have the advantage in five-on-five play.
– Goaltending is still the wild card—Hellebuyck has been locked in, but Oettinger has shown that he steps up once he gets into the game.
– Special teams really matter here. Dallas looked really efficient with the man advantage, and Winnipeg’s penalty kill hasn’t faced this kind of pressure so far.
– Over 5.5 Goals still makes a lot of sense with the way both teams are generating chances and drawing penalties.
– Kyle Connor Anytime Goal (+120) is a smart look—he keeps showing up in scoring positions and shows no signs of slowing down.
– Stars Moneyline (-110) looks playable if you expect Dallas to carry over their late-series form.
Our Prediction: Dallas Stars 4, Winnipeg Jets 2
Dallas controls the final stretch and capitalizes on a late power play. Experience, full roster strength, and a solid finish in Round 1 give them just enough to take the opener on the road.
If you’re betting on the game, bet smart and responsibly! You can also check out our list of top-rated betting sites to place your bets safely and get the best odds out there.
