The Winnipeg Jets are set to face off against the Dallas Stars in Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs conference semifinal series this Wednesday. Both teams earned their spot after hard-fought seven-game series in the first round. Dallas secured a 4-2 victory in Game 7 against the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday, while Winnipeg dramatically won 4-3 in overtime in Game 7 against the St. Louis Blues on Sunday. The game is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg.
Looking at the betting lines, Dallas is listed as a -125 favorite on the moneyline, meaning a $125 wager is needed to win $100. Conversely, Winnipeg is the underdog at +105, where a $100 bet could yield a $105 profit. The total number of goals (over/under) is set at 5.5. The Stars also have a puck line of -1.5 with +202 odds. Betting analysis from a recognized projection model has provided insights for this matchup.
Key Betting Insights:
Over 5.5 goals: The previous round saw high scoring, with the Over hitting in four of seven games for Dallas and six of seven for Winnipeg. Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, a Vezina Trophy finalist, struggled in the first round with a 3.85 goals-against average, even being pulled in back-to-back games after allowing five and six goals. Winnipeg`s defense may be further challenged by potential injuries to blueliners Josh Morrissey and Logan Stanley. Dallas defenseman Miro Heiskanen is also questionable with a knee injury. Projections suggest the total goals will exceed 5.5 in a significant majority of simulations.
Mikko Rantanen points: Forward Mikko Rantanen was crucial in helping Dallas overcome the Avalanche, particularly stepping up when leading scorer Jason Robertson was less impactful. Rantanen recorded 11 points (five goals, six assists) over the final three games of that series, including a hat trick in Game 7. He has a strong track record against the Jets, accumulating 28 points (10 goals, 18 assists) in 31 career games, including a goal and an assist in regular-season play this past season.
Kyle Connor anytime goal-scorer: Kyle Connor found the net four times over the seven games in the opening round, with his last goal coming in Game 5 against the Blues. He has had success against the Dallas Stars previously, scoring four goals in their four regular-season meetings during the 2024-25 season. Betting odds favor him scoring at any point during Game 1.
