Thursday. Puck drop from the American Airlines Center is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's NHL odds around the Bruins vs. Stars odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Dallas Stars center Logan Stankoven (11) celebrates with left wing Mason Marchment, top left, and center Matt Duchene (95) after scoring in front of Boston Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm, upper right, and left wing Cole Koepke (45) in the second period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Boston. (Steven Senne / AP)

Welcome back to the return of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in.

The Dallas Stars own one of the leagues stingiest defenses and Ryan Gilbert believes that'll be the difference maker as they take on the Penguins in Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh Penguins return home to host the Dallas Stars on Monday night. Pittsburgh is coming off a 4-2 win in Washington the night after a 5-1 loss in Carolina.

Dallas is 8-4 overall and 3-0-0 against the Central Division. The Stars are 6-1-0 when scoring at least three goals. Dallas is coming off a 3-1 win over the Blackhawks on Thursday. Saturday’s game is the first time these teams meet this season. Mark Scheifele has seven goals and 11 assists for the Jets. Cole Perfetti has over the last 10 games.