Columbus Blue Jackets @ Dallas Stars Hockey Game Preview: Prediction, Betting Odds & 4 Prop Bets

Saturday, October 31, 2026 Time: 8:00 PM ET Location: American Airlines Center — Dallas, Texas TV: Blue Jackets Hockey Network Tickets: As low as $18 Line: Dallas Stars -185 Over/Under: 5.5 Goals Records: Columbus 5-6-0 | Dallas 7-5-1

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Dallas Stars Prediction & Matchup Preview

The Columbus Blue Jackets close out October with a difficult road test Saturday night when they visit the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center.

Both teams enter trying to rebound from Thursday-night losses.

Columbus fell 3-2 at Carolina, ending a two-game winning streak. The Blue Jackets trailed 3-0 early in the third period before goals from Denton Mateychuk and Kent Johnson made the final 10 minutes interesting. Jet Greaves stopped 24 of 27 shots, but Columbus could not complete the comeback against one of the NHL’s hottest teams.

Dallas enters 7-5-1 after a 5-2 home loss to Montreal, the Stars’ second consecutive defeat. Wyatt Johnston recorded a goal and an assist, Jamie Benn scored, and Mikko Rantanen collected two assists, but Dallas surrendered three first-period goals and never recovered.

The Stars are substantial favorites at -185, but Columbus has shown enough over its past three games to make this more competitive than the moneyline suggests.

Before losing to Carolina, the Jackets earned consecutive overtime victories against Vegas and Philadelphia. Columbus defeated Vegas 2-1 before surviving a wild 6-5 overtime game in Philadelphia.

Kent Johnson has become particularly important. His power-play goal Thursday was his seventh of the season, while Zach Werenski recorded his ninth assist.

Columbus also needs more from Adam Fantilli, Matthew Knies, Valeri Nichushkin and Sean Monahan if the Jackets are going to generate enough offense against Dallas.

The Stars remain dangerous despite consecutive losses.

Dallas can roll out Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, Wyatt Johnston, Mikko Rantanen, Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin, giving the Stars considerable offensive depth. Johnston and Rantanen were directly involved in both Dallas goals Thursday.

The question is whether the Stars’ defense can stabilize.

Dallas has surrendered 10 goals over its past two games, losing 5-1 to New Jersey before allowing five more against Montreal.

The Stars are also dealing with injuries. Matt Duchene, Radek Faksa and Esa Lindell have been among those sidelined, while defenseman Kyle Capobianco is expected to miss approximately four weeks with a lower-body injury. Faksa and Lindell could potentially return against Columbus.

That makes the posted total of 5.5 goals particularly interesting.

🔥 Top 4 Expanded Prop Bets

Player-prop lines vary by sportsbook. The thresholds below are recommended target lines unless an official market is already available. Confirm starting goaltenders and final lineups before wagering.

Prop Bet #1: Zach Werenski Over 2.5 Shots on Goal

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Werenski Over 2.5 Shots

• Heavy Ice Time
• Power-Play Quarterback
• Offensive Defenseman

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Werenski remains the player most capable of driving offense from the Columbus blue line.

With Columbus entering as a sizable road underdog, the Jackets could spend significant portions of the game chasing offense. That normally increases Werenski’s opportunities to shoot from the point and join the rush.

Prediction: Zach Werenski over 2.5 shots on goal.

Prop Bet #2: Wyatt Johnston Over 0.5 Points

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Johnston Over 0.5 Points

• Goal and Assist Thursday
• Top-Six Role
• Power-Play Threat

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Johnston was Dallas’ best offensive performer against Montreal, finishing with a goal and an assist.

His goal came on the power play, where Rantanen helped create the scoring opportunity.

Against a Columbus team playing its third road game in five nights, Johnston should generate quality opportunities.

Prediction: Wyatt Johnston over 0.5 points.

Prop Bet #3: Kent Johnson Over 0.5 Points

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: Kent Johnson Over 0.5 Points

• 7 Goals
• Power-Play Role
• Scored at Carolina

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Johnson enters Dallas with momentum after scoring his seventh goal Thursday.

The goal came on the power play, with Charlie Coyle and Werenski earning assists.

Dallas’ recent defensive problems create another opportunity for Johnson to remain productive.

Prediction: Kent Johnson over 0.5 points.

Prop Bet #4: Over 5.5 Total Goals

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Over 5.5 Goals

• Dallas Allowed 10 in Two Games
• Columbus Offensive Talent
• Low Total

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A total of 5.5 provides a relatively low threshold.

Dallas has allowed five goals in consecutive games, while Columbus recently played a 6-5 overtime game in Philadelphia.

The Stars have enough offensive talent to score three or four themselves, and Columbus only needs to contribute two or three for the over to become very realistic.

Prediction: Over 5.5 goals.

Players to Watch

Kent Johnson — Columbus: His seven goals lead an increasingly important part of the Blue Jackets attack, and he scored again Thursday in Carolina.

Zach Werenski — Columbus: Continues to quarterback the power play and drive possession from the blue line. His assist Thursday gave him nine on the season.

Adam Fantilli — Columbus: Columbus needs its young center generating more offense against a deep Dallas lineup.

Wyatt Johnston — Dallas: Coming off a goal and an assist against Montreal and remains one of Dallas’ most dangerous young scorers.

Mikko Rantanen — Dallas: Recorded two assists Thursday and gives the Stars elite playmaking and finishing ability.

Jason Robertson — Dallas: Remains one of the NHL’s premier scoring threats and requires constant attention whenever he is on the ice.

Goaltending Matchup

Dallas started Jake Oettinger against Montreal on Thursday, and he allowed four goals on 20 shots before an empty-netter completed the 5-2 final.

Columbus used Jet Greaves Thursday in Carolina, where he made 24 saves. With the Blue Jackets continuing their road trip, Cam Talbot could be an option Saturday, but the starter should be confirmed closer to puck drop.

The goaltending announcement could significantly affect the 5.5 total.

The Verdict

Prediction

Dallas Stars 4, Columbus Blue Jackets 2

Best Bets

Dallas Stars -185Over 5.5 Goals Zach Werenski Over 2.5 Shots — Target Line Wyatt Johnston Over 0.5 Points

Columbus has shown resilience during this road stretch. The Jackets nearly erased a three-goal deficit against Carolina after already winning consecutive overtime games.

But Dallas represents another difficult matchup.

The Stars possess more high-end offensive depth, home ice and a roster capable of attacking Columbus across multiple lines.

Dallas’ recent defensive performances are enough to make laying -185 uncomfortable, which is why the Over 5.5 may offer the more attractive betting angle.

If Johnson, Fantilli and Werenski can generate offense early, Columbus can keep this competitive into the third period. But Rantanen, Johnston and Robertson give Dallas too many ways to create scoring opportunities.

Expect the Blue Jackets to remain within striking distance before Dallas adds separation late.

Final Prediction: Dallas Stars 4, Columbus Blue Jackets 2.

The game is scheduled for Saturday, October 31 at 8:00 PM ET at American Airlines Center. Columbus’ official schedule lists the matchup on the Blue Jackets Hockey Network. Confirm final starting goaltenders, injuries and player-prop markets before wagering