Boston is finding things a little crowded at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. With four teams still within six points of the last wild card spot, the Bruins would like to avoid one of those spots altogether and finish as one of the top three teams in the Atlantic Division. They'll have to get that done when they host Dallas on Thursday night. The Stars are simply playing spoiler as they were eliminated from playoff contention earlier this week. Puck drop is set for 7:30 PM Eastern time and the game can be seen on NBC Sports Network and the NBC Sports app.
Stars (31-34-11, 73 points, 6th Central)
Dallas has been a little inconsistent as of late, but they have won four of their last seven games. Their biggest victory mark was a 6-1 thrashing of slumping San Jose. They actually knocked off the Sharks twice in the span of four days. The Stars are coming off of a 4-1 defeat at Montreal back on Tuesday night.
Right wing Jiri Hudler (11 pts) is listed as questionable for the upcoming game. He's been dealing with a lower-body injury and has missed the last three games. He was responsible for a goal in their last meeting with the Bruins. Left wing Jamie Benn (67 pts) last scored a goal in their most recent meeting with the Sharks.
Bruins (40-30-6, 86 points, 4th Atlantic)
Boston is starting to repair themselves after dropping four in a row in the middle of March. They've knocked off a crucial team in the NY Islanders before dealing Nashville a nagging 4-1 defeat to keep them from clinching a postseason berth. Four different players scored for the Bruins in that contest, the game-winner in the first period highlighted by center David Krejci (51 pts).
Center Frank Vatrano (18 pts) will not be available for this game without any further information available. He last scored a point against Vancouver back on March 13th. Leading goal scorer Brad Marchand (81 pts) hasn't been able to throw a puck into the net for the past five games.
Boston is a -235 favorite at home in this matchup. They have won four of their last six meetings against the Stars.
