The Dallas Stars are on an offensive streak recently. After starting the season 3-5-1 with a mediocre offense, they are now 6-4 in their last 10 games. This is their first matchup of three with the Nashville Predators. The Predators have struggled to find ways to score this season, going 4-4-2 in their last ten games. Despite struggles throughout the season, the two are Western Conference rivals, fighting for playoff contention.
Dallas has found a much needed momentum spark in their season that took awhile to get going. They have moved into the top eight in the Western Conference. The Stars have scored at least three goals in nine straight games. At the start of the season, they only total 16 goals, but in the past nine games they have scored 30 goals, with a least three per game. Jamie Benn is attributed to much of the success, registering 12 points in the last nine games. If there is one dark spot in the Stars' season, it is their ability to convert on the power play, failing to score on 16 consecutive opportunities. The Stars' will be without starting goalie Kari Lehtonen, sidelined with a groin injury.
Nashville has struggled with scoring troubles all season. They are currently coming off two straight shut-out losses. They are averaging a league-worst 2.0 goals per game and have only found the inside of the net 11 times in the last five games. Yet, they are still in contention for the Western Conference playoffs, all due to their goaltender, Pekka Rinne. Rinne owns a 1.77 goals-against average with three shutouts on the season. He has surrendered only six goals in 129 shots in the previous six games. The Predators can hope to find a little offensive spark Monday when they face backup goalie Cristopher Nilstorp. Colin Wilson does have seven points in the past five contests and leads the Predators with five goals this season. He will need to carry much of the offensive load Monday.
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