Dallas Stars Aim to Complete Perfect Road Trip With Victory Against Utah Mammoth
The Dallas Stars travel to the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday night, attempting to cap off an unblemished road trip with a win against the Utah Mammoth. Following a dramatic 5-4 shootout victory over the Vegas Golden Knights, the Stars have built significant momentum, having won four of their last five games. A victory in Utah would secure a perfect record for this current stretch of away contests, reinforcing their position near the top of the Central Division.
Dallas enters the matchup with a 31-14-9 record, currently sitting third in the division. The team’s recent surge has been fueled by depth scoring, highlighted by Mavrik Bourque, who recorded a two-goal performance in the win against Vegas. The Stars have been particularly effective away from home this season, boasting a 17-7-6 road record, which stands as one of the best in the National Hockey League. Their offensive unit ranks eighth overall, averaging 3.3 goals per game, led by Jason Robertson, who has tallied 30 goals and 33 assists on the campaign.
However, the Utah Mammoth pose a significant obstacle to Dallas’s ambitions. With a 28-22-4 record, Utah holds the fourth spot in the Central Division and remains in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race. The Mammoth have proven they can disrupt the Stars’ game plan, evidenced by their 2-1 victory in the previous meeting between the two teams on January 15. In that contest, Utah dominated the faceoff circle, winning 67 percent of the draws, a tactical edge that limited Dallas’s possession and scoring opportunities.
The Mammoth are led offensively by Dylan Guenther, who has registered 23 goals and 22 assists this season. Utah’s performance is heavily correlated with their offensive output; the team possesses a dominant 26-8-0 record in games where they score at least three goals. Furthermore, Nick Schmaltz has been in fine form, contributing five goals and five assists over his last 10 games, adding another layer of danger for the Dallas defense.
While the Stars carry the momentum of their recent win streak, potential fatigue remains a concern. Saturday’s game will be Dallas’s 31st road game of the season, the second-highest total in the league, which could weigh on the players as the trip concludes. Additionally, Utah’s 9-6-0 record in Central Division matchups suggests they are comfortable playing against familiar rivals. To secure the win, Dallas will need starting goaltender Jake Oettinger to remain sharp against a Utah attack that thrives on home ice.
dallasnews.com
blackoutdallas.com
