The Dallas Stars are looking to end a three‑game losing streak when they face the Winnipeg Jets Thursday night at 7 p.m. Central Standard Time. Both teams sit near the top of the NHL Central Division, with Dallas holding a 5‑3‑1 overall record and the Jets at 4‑3‑2.

Recent performance and key statistics

Dallas has gone 2‑1‑0 in games where their opponents commit more penalties, a trend that could prove decisive against a Jets squad that has scored three or more goals in four of its last six contests (4‑0‑2 when reaching that mark). The Stars also hold a 2‑3‑0 record in Central Division matchups, while the Jets are 2‑1‑1 within the division.

Injury report

Both clubs will be without several contributors. The Stars list forward Oskar Back (finger), forward Cameron Hughes (upper‑body), defenseman Esa Lindell (lower‑body) and forward Matt Duchene (abdomen) as out. Winnipeg will miss forward Garrett Brown (lower‑body), forward Vladislav Namestnikov (undisclosed) and defenseman Josh Morrissey (upper‑body). These absences could affect line combinations and special‑teams units for both sides.

What to watch

• Special‑teams impact: Dallas has benefited from drawing penalties, a factor that could swing momentum if the Jets cannot capitalize on power‑play opportunities.
• Scoring trends: The Jets have been most successful when they post three or more goals; the Stars will aim to limit Winnipeg’s offensive output.
• Division implications: A win for Dallas would improve its standing in the Central and could create a tighter race for playoff positioning.

Fans in Dallas can catch the action on local sports networks and via streaming platforms that carry NHL games. The matchup marks the first meeting between the two clubs this season, adding an extra layer of intrigue for both fan bases.

Looking ahead

If the Stars secure a victory, they will move to 6‑3‑1 overall, putting them within striking distance of the division’s top spots. Conversely, a loss would extend their slide and place additional pressure on head coach Pete DeBoer to adjust strategies before the final stretch of the regular season.

Regardless of the outcome, Thursday’s game offers a compelling showcase of high‑stakes hockey for Texas fans, with both teams eager to prove they belong among the league’s elite.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.