Skidding Stars look to tune out Predators in season finale

The reeling Dallas Stars could use something positive heading into the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the Nashville Predators also want to end their disappointing season on a high note.

The visiting Stars look to snap a season-high six-game slide when they close the regular season Wednesday night in Nashville, Tenn.

Dallas (50-25-6, 106 points) and Nashville (29-44-8, 66 points) both were expected to compete in the postseason, however, only the former will be moving on. The Stars will finish in second place in the Central Division and host Colorado in the first round; however, they're currently limping into the postseason on an 0-4-2 rut.

"We want to win every night. We expect to win every night," said Dallas' Wyatt Johnston, who set career highs in goals (33), assists (38) and points (71) this season.

"It's definitely frustrating. We want to come into the playoffs with our game in a good spot."

Following Monday's 6-4 loss at Detroit, the Stars have allowed 29 goals in the last six games.

As Dallas tries to get back on track before opening the playoffs this weekend, it's uncertain how many of coach Pete DeBoer's top players will be on the ice Wednesday. Veteran Tyler Seguin, who's been out since Dec. 1 with a hip injury, reportedly will be ready for the playoffs.

DeBoer rested defenseman Thomas Harley on Monday, while key forward Mason Marchment could sit again due to illness.

"At this time of year, do you dress guys and try to win games or do you rest guys and prepare for (Game 1)?" said DeBoer, who noted following Monday's game that he could go with a full lineup against the Predators.

Dallas' Jake Oettinger made 31 saves on Monday but has allowed 12 goals during his current 0-2-1 skid. Meanwhile. Backup Casey DeSmith has yielded 15 goals while also amid an 0-2-1 starting slide.

Marchment had three goals and an assist while Dallas won two of the first three season meetings with Nashville. Stars leading point producer and ex-Predator Matt Duchene has been blanked in three straight games but recorded three assists against his former team in 2024-25.

The Predators will finish with fewer than 70 points for the first time in a full season since 2001-02. Nashville's Ryan O'Reilly opened the scoring Monday with his 20th goal, but things got ugly from there in a 7-4 home loss to the Utah Hockey Club.

In addition to entering play Tuesday with a league-low 209 goals, Nashville has allowed 62 during its 4-12-1 slump.

"We'd obviously hope to be playing in the playoffs coming up, and it stings every time not being able to make them," said Predators forward Michael Bunting, who has two goals with three assists in the last four games.

"But, yeah, come in with a positive attitude. ... Play in front of our fans one last time and try to get a win for them."

Longtime NHL star Steven Stamkos' first season with the Predators resulted in a disappointing 52 points -- his second-fewest on a campaign with at least 77 games played. Stamkos has a goal with an assist versus Dallas in 2024-25.

--Field Level Media