The intensity of the NHL playoffs’ second round reaches a fever pitch on Saturday, May 17, as the Winnipeg Jets and Dallas Stars face off in a pivotal Game 6 at American Airlines Center. With the Stars holding a crucial 3-2 series lead, the action begins at 8 p.m. ET, broadcast on ABC.
Game 6 Preview: Jets vs. Stars
Dallas enters as the -155 odds-on favorite on home ice, having previously stolen Game 1 on the road and defended their home rink with three-goal and two-goal victories in Games 3 and 4 to initially seize a commanding 3-1 series lead.
However, the resilient Jets, priced as +130 road underdogs, clawed their way back by winning Game 5 at home on Thursday, May 15, forcing this decisive contest back to Dallas as they aim to push for a thrilling Game 7 on home ice.
Jets vs. Stars Game 6 Information
- Game Day: Saturday, May 17, 2025
- Game Time: 8 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: ABC
- Location: Dallas
- Arena: American Airlines Center
Dallas Stars Projected Lineup
Forwards
Mikael Granlund — Roope Hintz — Mikko Rantanen
Jamie Benn — Matt Duchene — Tyler Seguin
Jason Robertson — Wyatt Johnston — Alex Petrovic
Mason Marchment — Sam Steel — Evgenii Dadonov
Defense
Thomas Harley — Miro Heiskanen
Esa Lindell — Cody Ceci
Lian Bichsel — Ilya Lyubushkin
Goalies
Jake Oettinger
Casey DeSmith
Winnipeg Jets Projected Lineup
Forwards
Kyle Connor — Mark Scheifele — Gabriel Vilardi
Nikolaj Ehlers — Vladislav Namestnikov — Cole Perfetti
Nino Niederreiter — Adam Lowry — Mason Appleton
Brandon Tanev — Morgan Barron — Alex Iafallo
Defense
Josh Morrissey — Dylan Demelo
Dylan Samberg — Neal Pionk
Haydn Fleury — Luke Schenn
Goalies
Connor Hellebuyck
Eric Comrie
Jets vs. Stars Game 6 Key Matchups
Jake Oettinger vs. Connor Hellebuyck (Goaltending Duel)
In a must-win game, elite goaltending is everything. Oettinger has been dominant at home, while Hellebuyck’s Game 5 heroics kept Winnipeg alive. The goalie who stays calm under fire will likely lead their team to victory.
Roope Hintz Line vs. Mark Scheifele Line
The top lines will go head-to-head in a battle of speed and skill. Hintz, Granlund, and Rantanen have generated high-danger chances, but Scheifele, Connor, and Vilardi are lethal in transition. Whichever line breaks through first could set the tone.
Miro Heiskanen vs. Kyle Connor
Heiskanen will be tasked with shutting down Connor, Winnipeg’s most dangerous scorer. If Connor finds space, the Jets have a real shot. If Heiskanen locks him down, Dallas could punch a ticket to the next round.
Jets vs. Stars Game 6 Predictions
Dallas has demonstrated a strong ability to bounce back after a loss, a valuable trait as they head into this critical Game 6. Furthermore, the Stars have the comforting knowledge that head coach Peter DeBoer boasts an impeccable 9-0 record in Game 7s.
However, Dallas would much prefer to avoid a return trip to the Canada Life Centre, where they would face a formidable home crowd in a winner-take-all scenario. Expect the Stars to secure a tight victory tonight, setting the stage for an anticipated rematch with the Edmonton Oilers in the next round. Our prediction for Game 6 favors the Stars to secure the victory over the Jets.
Prediction: Stars win 3-2.