The Dallas Stars have gotten off to a strong start to the NHL season, wrapping up a 5-1-1 October with a 5-3 home win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday. They currently reside in second place in the Western Conference’s Central Division, a point behind the Colorado Avalanche who have played one more game than the Stars. Unfortunately for Stars betting fans, they can not participate in Texas sports betting just yet.
However, the schedule is about to pick up for coach Pete DeBoer’s squad. After playing just eight games in October, they’ll play 14 in November. That includes the first three on the road in a four-day span. They’ll play the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers in a back-to-back Wednesday and Thursday before facing off against the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday. The Stars will get little rest as they come home next Monday for a game against the Boston Bruins, the top team Eastern Conference with an 8-0-1 record.
It’s been a slow start, schedule-wise, DeBoer said, but he said that hasn’t been a bad thing for the team.
“We haven’t had the luxury of a lot of games and a lot of touches, and again, with the injuries that we had through camp, some of those guys are just getting back,” he explained after Monday’s win.
Stars Odds Shortening
Thanks to the start, the Stars have seen their odds improve since the preseason. According to SportsOddsHistory.com, BetMGM had the Stars listed as the ninth choice to win the Stanley Cup with odds of +1600. As of Tuesday, Dallas is now BetMGM’s fourth choice – tied with the Oilers, New Jersey Devils and Vegas Golden Knights – at +1100. The Stars’ odds to win the Western Conference have shortened from +700 at the beginning of the season to +500.
Stars goalie Jake Oettinger has helped propel the team to its hot start. He’s posted a 4-0-1 record in five starts and ranks fourth in the league with a .940 save percentage and fifth with a 1.74 goals-against average. He, too, has seen his odds shorten for the Vezina Trophy, which goes each season to the NHL’s top goaltender. Oettinger’s odds to start the season were +1200, but as of Tuesday, he’s available at +800.
Sports betting is currently not legal in the state of Texas, but the Stars are working with other professional sports teams and gaming operators to get sports wagering approved in the Lone Star State. The next attempt for lawmakers to consider a measure that would let voters make sports betting legal in the state would likely be in 2025. BetTexas.com will be ready with the best Texas sportsbook promos as soon as they become available.
