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Main Photo: Jerome Miron USA TODAY Sports

NHL Predictions: March 8 Chicago Blackhawks vs Dallas Stars

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | By Nick Orr | Last updated Mar 8, 2026 8:59 AM ET

In this matchup, the Chicago Blackhawks take on the surging Dallas Stars. Welcome back to this edition of NHL Predictions! Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey analyze the day’s games and provide in-depth analysis. We break down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then make predictions based on how they might play out. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.

NHL Predictions: Chicago Blackhawks vs Dallas Stars

Time: 6:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

Season Series: Blackhawks lead 2-0

How to Watch TV: ESPN+, CHSN, Victory+

Location: American Airlines Center

Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks are back on the road as they take on Jason Robertson and the Stars.

Despite Dallas’ dominance this season, the Hawks are going for the season sweep tonight. In the first matchup, Tyler Bertuzzi‘s two-goal performance helped the Hawks overcome a third-period deficit. Newly traded Jason Dickinson scored the other regulation goal, while Nick Lardis won it in a shootout. Mikko Rantanen had a three-point night for Dallas, but it was not enough to overcome Arvid Soderblom‘s 28-save performance. In the second game, Ilya Mikheyev‘s two goals propelled Chicago to victory. Ryan Donato and Andre Burakovsky added two assists, while Spencer Knight thwarted a late Dallas push. The Hawks are looking to complete the season sweep tonight.

Blackhawks Looking to Bounce Back After Tough Loss

The Hawks suffered a brutal loss on Friday night against the Vancouver Canucks. Arvid Soderblom surrendered six goals on 22 shots, while the Hawks could not respond to Vancouver’s third-period push. Donato and Mikheyev netted goals, while Frank Nazar finally got back on the score sheet with a second-period marker. The Hawks had chances, led by Connor Bedard’s four shots. However, the team is reeling after a loss to the league’s worst team. Spencer Knight will not travel to Dallas due to illness. Drew Commesso and Nick Lardis have also been recalled. As always, be sure to check social media before puck drop for lineups and starting goaltender information.

The Blackhawks are calling up Nick Lardis and Drew Commesso, Blashill said.

Spencer Knight won’t travel to Dallas due to his illness.

— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) March 7, 2026

While the players may try to downplay it, the losses of Dickinson and captain Nick Foligno are devastating. The youth movement is in full swing, but moving on from players who are so respected is difficult. Along with Connor Murphy, those veterans were the loudest voices in the locker room. Now, Alex Vlasic, just 24 years of age, is the longest tenured Blackhawk. The core of Bedard and Nazar, along with Artyom Levshunov, must find a way to move forward. The Stars present a big challenge, but the young Hawks have proven able to find ways to get points. They will need an all-out effort.

Stars Jockeying for Position in Central Division

The Stars dropped their most recent contest to the Colorado Avalanche, who lead the league in points. The loss ended Dallas’ 10-game win streak. Miro Heiskanen, Wyatt Johnston and Justin Hryckowian gave the Stars a 3-1 lead before they surrendered it. Captain Jamie Benn also found the back of the net. Jake Oettinger would like to have that game back. He only made 25 saves and was given a big lead by his team. The Stars’ netminder should have an inspired performance tonight.

The Stars have consistently been one of the best teams in the vaunted Central Division. Catching Colorado seems like a tall order, but the Stars are hoping to hold off the Minnesota Wild for second place. The team made some trade deadline acquisitions to bolster their chances at reaching the Stanley Cup Final. Michael Bunting and Tyler Myers were acquired before the deadline. Bunting has 31 points this season, while Myers’ big frame should slot in nicely to Dallas’ blue line. Those two should slot into the lineup for their Stars’ debut tonight.

Game Prediction

Although the Hawks have played well against the Stars this season, Dallas is looking to get back into the win column. Expect the Stars to come out victorious.

Prediction: Stars win 3-2

Prop Bets

Ryan Donato Anytime Goal (+525)

Matt Duchene Anytime Goal (+210)

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This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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