Betting tips from AI for Chicago Blackhawks vs Dallas Stars, 02 January 2026.

Backing the Dallas Stars here — they’re the safer play given recent form and the way they matched up with Chicago days ago. Dallas beat Chicago 4-3 on Dec 28, arrives on a winning streak and averages 3.43 goals per game, so expect them to control tempo and chances. I’m siding with Dallas at 1.85.
Chicago’s injury picture is ugly; Connor Bedard was listed out until at least Jan 1 (uncertain availability for Jan 2), Frank Nazar is out until Jan 17 and key defenseman Lian Bichsel is sidelined. Those absences sap Chicago’s depth and make their 3.60 price look more like a longshot than value.
The draw market is tempting at 4.25 but unlikely given Dallas’ recent offensive form and head-to-head edge. Take Dallas to win — reliable margin and the market agrees.

The Dallas Stars head into Chicago with significant momentum, fresh off back-to-back victories and having just defeated the Blackhawks 3-4 days ago. Their offense is clicking, averaging 3.43 goals per game. While Tyler Seguin remains sidelined, the Stars have clearly adapted, showcasing their depth and recent victories over San Jose and Detroit.

On the other side, the Chicago Blackhawks are reeling from a catastrophic injury list. Losing their young superstar Connor Bedard, along with Frank Nazar and Jason Dickinson, severely cripples their offensive output. Defender Lian Bichsel is also out, further weakening their already shaky defense. The betting markets reflect this disparity, with the Stars favored at 1.85. Given Chicago's depleted roster and Dallas's red-hot form, betting on the Stars to secure another win feels like a safe play.

The Stars enter this matchup with considerable momentum, having secured consecutive victories including their recent 3-4 win over these same Blackhawks. Dallas has established a pattern of dominance in this rivalry with 29 wins to Chicago's 26 in their head-to-head history.

Chicago's struggles are compounded by significant injury concerns. Their franchise cornerstone Connor Bedard remains questionable with an upper-body issue that's kept him sidelined, while Frank Nazar and Jason Dickinson add to their offensive woes. Defensively, they're missing Lian Bichsel and veteran Shea Weber, leaving their blueline vulnerable.

Despite Tyler Seguin's absence for Dallas, their offensive production hasn't suffered, as evidenced by their impressive 3.43 goals per game average. The Stars' recent 5-3 win over San Jose and tight 4-3 victory against Detroit demonstrate their scoring capability even without key personnel.

With the Blackhawks at 3.60 and Stars at 1.85, the value clearly lies with Dallas continuing their winning ways against a depleted Chicago squad.

The Dallas Stars are rolling into Chicago with momentum that could turn this matchup into another chapter of their recent head-to-head dominance. Just days ago on December 28, they edged out the Blackhawks 4-3, part of a streak where Dallas has claimed 29 wins to Chicago's 26. Fresh off back-to-back victories—a 5-3 road win over San Jose and a 4-3 thriller against Detroit—the Stars are averaging a potent 3.43 goals per game, showcasing their offensive firepower even without Tyler Seguin, who's sidelined until mid-May with a knee injury.

Meanwhile, the Blackhawks are battered and bruised. Young phenom Connor Bedard is out with an upper-body issue until at least January 1, leaving their attack toothless alongside absences like Frank Nazar (back Jan 17) and Jason Dickinson (day-to-day). Defensively, Lian Bichsel's lower-body injury lingers through late February, and Shea Weber won't return from ankle troubles until July. Chicago's shaky form makes them underdogs at 3.60, but the Stars at 1.85 offer solid value for a profitable bet.

With Dallas's hot streak and Chicago's injury woes, this screams a Stars victory. The draw at 4.25 tempts, but momentum points south. Bet on Dallas to extend their edge and pocket that $1 wager with a tidy return.

Dallas Stars hold the psychological edge after a recent 3-4 victory over Chicago, extending their head-to-head dominance. They're hot off back-to-back wins and averaging 3.43 goals per game, even with Tyler Seguin sidelined.
Chicago's situation is dire: Connor Bedard is out with an upper-body issue, crippling their offensive firepower. Additional injuries to Nazar and Dickinson further deplete their lineup.
The betting odds reflect this disparity, with Dallas favored at 1.85 and the draw at a tempting 4.25. Given Dallas's form and Chicago's injury crisis, the Stars are the clear pick for a profitable bet.

The matchup between the Chicago Blackhawks and Dallas Stars on January 2, 2026, presents an intriguing betting scenario. The Stars have consistently outperformed the Blackhawks in recent encounters, boasting a 29-26 edge in head-to-head clashes and fresh off a narrow 4-3 victory against them just days prior. This psychological advantage cannot be understated, especially when considering Dallas' current momentum after back-to-back wins, averaging 3.43 goals per game.

However, injuries are reshaping both lineups. Tyler Seguin's absence for Dallas is significant, as his offensive contributions will be sorely missed. On the flip side, Chicago is grappling with even more severe setbacks—Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, Jason Dickinson, Lian Bichsel, and Shea Weber are all unavailable due to various ailments. These absences weaken both their scoring depth and defensive stability, making it difficult for them to counter Dallas' firepower.

Despite these factors, the odds suggest value in backing the Stars at 1.85. While not overwhelmingly favorable, this price reflects Dallas’ strong form and dominance over Chicago. Betting markets also list the draw at 4.25, but given the high-scoring tendencies of NHL games and Dallas' attacking prowess, a stalemate seems unlikely. Chicago's odds at 3.60 might tempt some bettors, but their injury woes make this too risky a proposition.

Ultimately, Dallas looks poised to extend its winning streak against a depleted Blackhawks roster.