Dallas Stars vs Chicago Blackhawks Picks and Prediction for Saturday October 17, 2026
The Dallas Stars will head to Chicago, Illinois, Saturday night for a Central Division matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. Dallas will look to get back on track following a challenging stretch of games against quality opponents early in the season, as they are currently 3-3-1 on the year after the win last time out to end a 2-game losing streak. Chicago will continue a home stand on Saturday, 3-5 on the year, riding a 2-game winning streak after an overtime win over Winnipeg Thursday night. Dallas comes into Saturday a huge road favorite, currently -198 on the money line. Chicago is a +164 underdog, and the total is 5.5. Stay in the loop with our NHL Picks.
Dallas seeks the road win
The Dallas Stars offense has been below average this season, averaging just 2.14 goals on 24.6 shots per game. Defensively, Dallas is one of the best teams in the league, allowing 1.71 goals on 23.1 shots per game, and they've given up two total goals across their last three wins. Mikko Rantanen is the offensive leader this season for Dallas with seven points, and he boasts a team-high five assists. Miro Heiskanen is second-best on the roster this season with 6 points. Jason Robertson has scored five points, while Roope Hintz and Wyatt Johnston are both tied for 4th on the roster with four points each.
Casey DeSmith did just enough last time out against Colorado, giving up two goals on 27 shots to post a .926 save percentage before securing the victory in the shootout. Arttu Hyry and Miro Heiskanen led the scoring for Dallas in their last outing, scoring one goal each. Mikko Rantanen and Thomas Harley both chipped in with one assist apiece.
Key Injury Report for Dallas:
- Oskar Back (IR) – Nov 14
- David Perron (Out) – Oct 20
- Wyatt Johnston (Day-To-Day) – Oct 17
- Matt Duchene (IR-LT) – Jan 12
- Luke Krys (IR-NR) – Oct 25
Chicago goes for 3 in a row
The Chicago Blackhawks offense has been mediocre this season, averaging 2.63 goals on 21.8 shots, and they've scored thirteen goals across their last three wins. Defensively, Chicago has been bad, allowing four goals on 30.4 shots per game, but they've given up an average of three goals per game during their current 2 game-winning streak. Anton Frondell is leading Chicago this season with six points and five assists. Teuvo Teravainen, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Patrick Kane are all tied for second on the roster with five points each. Frank Nazar is third on the team with four points, and he is one of two players with a team leading 3 goals this season.
Spencer Knight led the way for the Chicago defense in their win over Winnipeg, giving up three goals on 34 shots to post a .912 save percentage in just over 61.5 minutes. Connor Bedard led the way for the Chicago offense in their last outing with one goal and one assist. Ryan Donato, Frank Nazar, and Artyom Levshunov all chipped in as well with one goal each.
Key Injury Report for Chicago:
- Bowen Byram (Day-To-Day) – Oct 17
- Andrew Mangiapane (IR) – Oct 25
Dallas Stars vs Chicago Blackhawks Picks and Prediction
Pick: Dallas Stars -1.5
Dallas has a significant advantage in offensive depth, and that should become increasingly noticeable as Saturday's game progresses. The Stars can generate scoring opportunities through Mikko Rantanen and Jason Robertson, giving Chicago several dangerous players to account for whenever Dallas enters the offensive zone. The Blackhawks will need Connor Bedard to create opportunities offensively, but relying too heavily on one player could become a problem against a Dallas team capable of defending multiple lines. Chicago also faces a difficult challenge in preventing the Stars from establishing possession around the net and creating second-chance opportunities. Dallas should be able to dictate much of the action at even strength and force the Blackhawks into difficult defensive situations. Look for the Stars to capitalize on their offensive advantages and pick up the win and cover on the road.
Pick: Over 5.5
The Stars have enough offensive weapons to do much of the scoring themselves, despite their low goals for average, which makes the over an interesting option in this Central Division matchup. Dallas should be able to create plenty of opportunities against a Chicago defense that could struggle to handle the Stars depth and puck movement. Robertson and Rantanen are particularly dangerous when they find open space. Chicago will need to generate offense through Bedard and take advantage of its opportunities in transition to remain competitive. If the Blackhawks fall behind early, they could be forced to play more aggressively and leave additional openings defensively. Dallas has the potential to score several goals, and Chicago should contribute enough offense to make the over worth considering.