Dallas Stars vs Columbus Blue Jackets Picks and Predictions for Thursday, November 5, 2026
The Dallas Stars travel to Nationwide Arena this Thursday night for a highly anticipated cross-divisional showdown against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET, with live coverage streaming on ESPN+. Dallas (9-5-1) enters this matchup following a wild, high-scoring 6-5 victory on the road against Washington on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Columbus (6-7-0) managed to break out of a minor slump, beating Colorado 7-2 on their own home ice. The Stars currently hold a 1-0 lead in the regular-season series after securing a tight 3-1 win over the Blue Jackets back on October 31. Cash in your winning ticket using our free NHL picks
Dallas Stars
Dallas relies heavily on a potent offense and elite special teams execution to choke out opponents. Mikko Rantanen is putting up big numbers right now, anchoring the top line with eight goals and 10 assists for a team-high 18 points. Jason Robertson matches that production perfectly, logging eight goals and 10 assists of his own. On the defensive end, the Stars surrender a stingy 2.33 goals per game, backed by a penalty-kill unit that stops most opposing power plays at a whopping 90.0% clip.
Dallas Team Stats:
- Goals scored: 2.87 per game
- Goals allowed: 2.33 per game
- Shots: 25.4 per game
- Power play: 23.5%
- Penalty kill: 90.0%
Injuries: Miro Heiskanen is day-to-day. Kyle Capobianco, Oskar Back, Matt Duchene, and Luke Krys are out.
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Columbus Blue Jackets
Consistency remains the single biggest problem for this rebuilding Columbus squad. While their recent seven-goal explosion against the Avalanche proved how dangerous they can be, their overall season defensive stats are highly concerning. The Blue Jackets are allowing too many goals at 3.15 goals per game, which puts immense pressure on their young forward group to execute flawlessly. Kent Johnson leads the charge offensively with seven goals and six assists, while defenseman Zach Werenski anchors the blue line with 12 assists.
Columbus Team Stats:
- Goals scored: 2.69 per game
- Goals allowed: 3.15 per game
- Shots: 25.5 per game
- Power play: 17.1%
- Penalty kill: 72.5%
Injuries: No major injuries reported.
Dallas Stars vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction
Goaltending depth gives Dallas a big advantage from the opening puck drop. Jake Oettinger has been sensational in net for the Stars, logging an 8-3-1 record paired with an elite 1.91 GAA and a rock-solid .909 save percentage. Columbus counters with Elvis Merzlikins, who has struggled heavily to a 3.11 GAA and a weak .883 save percentage. The Blue Jackets' fragile 72.5% penalty kill will get beat if they spend the night sitting in the penalty box against a highly successful Dallas power play. Look for Robertson and Rantanen to control the pace early, exploit the mismatch in net, and guide the Stars to a comfortable road victory.
Final Score Prediction: Dallas Stars win 4-2.
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