Thursday, April 3, 7:00 PM on FSSW, FSCR

PNC Arena, Raleigh, North Carolina

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Technically the Carolina Hurricanes are still alive in the playoff hunt as they trail the 8th seed by 6 points, but there are only 9 games remaining. The Hurricanes need to jump 4 teams so finishing out the year undefeated is likely their last saving grace. Dallas has an easier road to the postseason but is in must-win mode here on out as they are in a tie with Phoenix for the last Western Conference spot.

Dallas has won three straight and 5 of 6 including the first two games of a five game road trip. The road wins have come as underdogs in St. Louis and in Washington as the Stars outscored the teams a combined 9-2. Add to that mix a 7-3 win over Nashville and the Stars offense has tallied 16 goals in the last three to bolster their 2.88 goals a game average.

Carolina will need to win out for any chance at the postseason but their recent 4-6 record gives little hope for that amazing run. Carolina did start off April with a 4-1 win in Pittsburgh as +170 underdogs though and had gone to overtime in two previous losses. The Hurricanes play quality opponents in 8 of their last 9 games so they need to find another level starting Thursday against Dallas.

This will be just the second matchup of the season against Dallas and Carolina with the Stars chalking up a home victory 4-1 on the first game back from the Olympic break on February 27th. The Stars scored the first three goals of the game before notching an empty netter at 19:04 for the -128 payout.

ATS Trends

Dallas is 16-21 straight up on the road this season

Dallas is 19-16-2 against the over/under on the road this season

Carolina is 17-21 straight up at home this season

Carolina is 14-20-4 against the over/under at home this season

Injuries to Watch

Dallas 

04/01/14 D Aaron Rome Lower Body questionable Thursday vs Carolina
04/01/14 LW Erik Cole Upper Body questionable Thursday vs Carolina
03/10/14 C Rich Peverley Heart out for season

Carolina 

10/02/13 D Joni Pitkanen Heel out for season
04/02/14 RW Alexander Semin Illness questionable Thursday vs. Dallas

Josh's Pick: Take Carolina

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