On Tuesday night, the Dallas Stars will face off against the Anaheim Ducks, a matchup featuring two teams currently on divergent paths in the NHL.
At the beginning of the season, the Ducks emerged as one of the league’s most exciting teams, showcasing a blend of youth and talent. With impressive performances and steady goaltending from Lukas Dostal, Anaheim was initially seen as a serious contender in the playoff race, even vying for the top position in the Pacific Division.
However, recent struggles have dimmed their early-season promise. The Ducks have now lost nine consecutive games and 11 out of their last 12, resulting in a dramatic fall from playoff contention. As they head into the game against the Stars, Anaheim finds itself in sixth place within the Pacific Division, trailing the last Wild Card spot in the Western Conference by three points.
Conversely, the Dallas Stars are in a strong position as they head deeper into the season. While the team faces tough competition from the Colorado Avalanche, the Stars have enough offensive talent and depth to potentially make a significant run in the postseason. Currently, they sit second in the Central Division, 12 points behind the Avalanche.
This matchup promises excitement as the Stars (26-10-9) go up against the Ducks (21-21-3) on January 13 at 10 p.m. ET, taking place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The game will be broadcasted on TNT and truTV, providing fans with an opportunity to see how these two teams will fare in their respective fights—one seeking to turn around its fortune, the other aiming for a strong playoff push.