Stars Edge Bruins in Overtime Thriller
Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · American Airlines Center
Dallas Stars 3, Boston Bruins 2, final. Our NHL picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Boston Bruins vs Dallas Stars?
Dallas Stars beat Boston Bruins 3-2 at American Airlines Center on October 20, 2026.
Who was favored in Boston Bruins vs Dallas Stars?
Dallas Stars were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -170 (about 63% implied). The favorite won.
In an exhilarating matchup at the American Airlines Center, the Dallas Stars triumphed over the Boston Bruins with a final score of 3-2 after overtime. This victory marks the Stars' second consecutive win and improves their record to 6-4 in their last ten games. The game showcased the Stars' resilience as they came back from being down twice, ultimately securing the win with a goal from Mikko Rantanen in overtime.
The Stars entered this game with a home record of 5-3-1, while the Bruins boasted an impressive away record of 7-2-1. Dallas has been on a positive trajectory recently, winning their last two games and averaging 3.0 goals scored per game while allowing only 2.1. Their recent form included a solid 4-0 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks and a narrow 3-2 win against the Colorado Avalanche. However, they faced challenges at home, with a record of 1-2 in their last three home games.
Conversely, the Bruins have been on a remarkable five-game winning streak, averaging 3.8 goals scored and allowing just 1.9 goals per game in their last ten outings. Their recent performances included a 4-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings and a 4-2 win against the Anaheim Ducks. Boston's away record has been strong, with a 4-1 record in their last five away games.
In terms of head-to-head matchups, the Stars now lead the series 1-0 for the current season, having previously defeated the Bruins 6-2 in January before losing to them 3-6 in March. This latest encounter added another chapter to their competitive rivalry.
The injury situation for the Stars is notable, as they were missing key players Esa Lindell due to a lower body injury, and Matt Duchene, Oskar Back, Luke Krys, and Cameron Hughes, all on injured reserve. This impacted their lineup, but the remaining players stepped up to secure the win.
The betting odds from DraftKings reflected the competitive nature of the matchup, with the Stars favored at -170 on the moneyline, while the Bruins were at +142. The spread was set at -1.5 for Dallas, with a total of 5.5 goals for the game. The over was priced at -115 and the under at -105, indicating a closely contested game expected by the market.
The conditions at the American Airlines Center were conducive to an exciting game of hockey, with fans in attendance creating a vibrant atmosphere. The Stars' home crowd was a significant factor, as they rallied behind their team during critical moments.
Throughout the game, viewers were treated to several key scoring plays. The Bruins struck first with a goal from Matthew Poitras in the first period, but the Stars quickly responded with a goal from Mikko Rantanen in the second period, leveling the score. Boston regained the lead with a goal from James Hagens, but Rantanen once again equalized for the Stars in the third period, showcasing his offensive prowess.
The climax of the game came in overtime when Rantanen completed his hat trick with a backhand goal, assisted by Miro Heiskanen and Jason Robertson. This decisive play not only secured the victory for the Stars but also highlighted Rantanen's importance to the team's success.
In summary, the Dallas Stars' thrilling overtime victory over the Boston Bruins not only showcased their ability to overcome adversity but also emphasized the competitive nature of the NHL. With both teams showing strong recent form, this matchup was a testament to the excitement and unpredictability of hockey.
What we said beforehand
The upcoming clash between the Dallas Stars and the Boston Bruins promises to be an intriguing matchup as both teams bring contrasting recent forms to the ice. The game is set to take place at the American Airlines Center on October 21, 2026, marking the beginning of their series. The Stars enter this game with a home record of 4-3-1, while the Bruins boast a strong away record of 7-2-0.
In their last five games, the Dallas Stars have shown a mixed bag of results, securing three wins and two losses. Their recent performances include a dominant 4-0 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks and a hard-fought 3-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche in a shootout. However, they also faced setbacks against the same Avalanche team and the Pittsburgh Penguins, losing both games by narrow margins. Overall, the Stars have averaged 2.8 goals scored and allowed only 1.4 goals in their last five outings.
On the other hand, the Boston Bruins are riding a five-game winning streak, showcasing their offensive prowess with an average of 5.0 goals scored per game in that span. Their recent victories include a convincing 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings and a 6-3 triumph against the San Jose Sharks. The Bruins have been particularly effective on the road, which could play a crucial role in their performance against the Stars.
Historically, the two teams have faced each other twice in the 2026 season, splitting the series with one win each. The Stars secured a decisive 6-2 victory at home on January 21, while the Bruins responded with a 6-3 win in their March 31 meeting.
In terms of injuries, the Dallas Stars will be missing Esa Lindell due to a lower body injury, while Oskar Back, Matt Duchene, Luke Krys, and Cameron Hughes are all on injured reserve. This could impact their depth and overall performance. The Bruins, however, have not reported significant injuries affecting their lineup, which may give them an edge going into this matchup.
The betting lines provided by DraftKings show the Stars as the favorites at -170, with a spread of -1.5 and a total set at 5.5. The Bruins come in as underdogs with odds of +142. These lines reflect the current form and expectations surrounding both teams, making this game a focal point for fans and bettors alike.
As for the conditions on game day, the venue at the American Airlines Center will likely be buzzing with energy, providing a home-ice advantage for the Stars. Fans should watch for key players such as Jason Robertson, who leads the Stars with three goals, and David Pastrnak, the Bruins' leading scorer with four goals and eight assists. The matchup between these offensive talents could be pivotal in determining the outcome of the game.
Overall, this fixture between the Dallas Stars and the Boston Bruins is set to be a highly competitive and entertaining encounter, with both teams eager to assert themselves early in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | DAL -170 | 5.5 o -115 / u -105 | Boston Bruins +142 · Dallas Stars -170 |
Injury report
- Esa LindellOutLower BodyDallas Stars
- Oskar BackInjured ReserveFingerDallas Stars
- Matt DucheneInjured ReserveAbdomenDallas Stars
- Luke KrysInjured ReserveUndisclosedDallas Stars
- Cameron HughesInjured ReserveUpper BodyDallas Stars
Leaders
- GoalsMikko Rantanen3Dallas Stars
- AssistsJason Robertson2Dallas Stars
- PointsMikko Rantanen3Dallas Stars
- GoalsMatthew Poitras1Boston Bruins
- AssistsNikita Zadorov1Boston Bruins
- PointsMatthew Poitras1Boston Bruins
Recent form
Dallas Stars
Last 10: 6-4Streak W23 scored · 2.1 allowed per game1-2 at home
- W4-0at Chicago BlackhawksOct 17
- W3-2at Colorado AvalancheOct 15
- L2-3vs Colorado AvalancheOct 14
- L1-2at Pittsburgh PenguinsOct 10
- W4-0at Buffalo SabresOct 8
- W5-0vs San Jose SharksOct 6
- L1-2at Nashville PredatorsOct 4
- L0-4vs St. Louis BluesOct 3
- W4-3at Buffalo SabresApr 15
- W6-5at Toronto Maple LeafsApr 13
Boston Bruins
Last 10: 8-2Streak W53.8 scored · 1.9 allowed per game4-1 away
- W4-1at Los Angeles KingsOct 18
- W4-2at Anaheim DucksOct 17
- W6-3at San Jose SharksOct 14
- W5-1vs Philadelphia FlyersOct 10
- W6-1vs Utah MammothOct 8
- L1-4vs Ottawa SenatorsOct 5
- L1-4at Minnesota WildOct 4
- W4-3at Winnipeg JetsOct 3
- W3-0vs New York RangersSep 30
- W4-0vs New Jersey DevilsApr 14
Standings
| Team | Ot losses | Lost | Points | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | 1 | 2 | 15 | 7 |
| Tampa Bay | 0 | 2 | 12 | 6 |
| Ottawa | 0 | 3 | 12 | 6 |
| Florida | 2 | 2 | 12 | 5 |
| Toronto | 2 | 4 | 12 | 5 |
| Buffalo | 2 | 3 | 10 | 4 |
| Montreal | 2 | 3 | 10 | 4 |
| Detroit | 2 | 3 | 8 | 3 |
| Utah | 0 | 3 | 14 | 7 |
| Minnesota | 1 | 2 | 13 | 6 |
| Dallas | 1 | 3 | 11 | 5 |
| Colorado | 1 | 4 | 11 | 5 |
| Winnipeg | 2 | 3 | 10 | 4 |
| Nashville | 3 | 2 | 9 | 3 |
| St. Louis | 1 | 4 | 9 | 4 |
| Chicago | 0 | 6 | 6 | 3 |
Box score
| Stat | Boston Bruins | Dallas Stars |
|---|---|---|
| Blocked shots | 22 | 13 |
| Hits | 23 | 18 |
| Takeaways | 3 | 4 |
| Shots total | 20 | 25 |
| Power play goals | 0 | 1 |
| Power play opportunities | 4 | 3 |
| Power play pct | 0.0 | 33.3 |
| Short handed goals | 0 | 0 |
| Shootout goals | 0 | 0 |
| Faceoffs won | 27 | 26 |
| Faceoff percent | 50.9 | 49.1 |
| Giveaways | 15 | 8 |
| Penalties | 3 | 4 |
| Penalty minutes | 6 | 8 |
How the scoring went
- 1st1-0Matthew Poitras Goal (4) Snap Shot, assists: Frederic Brunet (2), Tanner Jeannot (1)
- 2nd1-1Mikko Rantanen Goal (3) Snap Shot, assists: Jason Robertson (5)
- 2nd2-1James Hagens Goal (3) Tip-In, assists: Casey Mittelstadt (2), Nikita Zadorov (4)
- 3rd2-2Mikko Rantanen Goal (4) Snap Shot, assists: Roope Hintz (3), Thomas Harley (4)
- OT2-3Mikko Rantanen Goal (5) Backhand, assists: Miro Heiskanen (4), Jason Robertson (6)
Venue
- American Airlines CenterDallas, TX
- Attendance18532
- OfficialsGord Dwyer, Kilian McNamara, Ben O'Quinn, Ben Betker
Elsewhere
- Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues: Game Highlights
- Broberg breaks tie on 3rd-period power play, Blues top Jets 2-1
- Celebrini scores his 2nd goal of the game on an OT power play to lift the Sharks past the Canadiens
- San Jose Sharks vs. Montreal Canadiens: Game Highlights
- Jake Allen makes 31 saves as the Devils defeat the Avalanche 4-3
- Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Columbus Blue Jackets: Game Highlights
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These two, other days
- Bruins Defeat Stars 6-3 in Thrilling MatchupMar 31, 2026
- Dallas Stars Dominate Boston Bruins 6-2 at HomeJan 20, 2026