This week in a game between two of the teams in the Western Conference playoff picture, the Vancouver Canucks will take on Dallas Stars. With a 37-12-9 record on the season, the Canucks are head and shoulders above the rest of the league. With a 31-20-6 record on the season, the Stars are among a large pack of teams that are within the 3rd and 10th spots in the conference.

In NHL Futures the Canucks are the favorite to win the Stanley Cup at 4-1. Dallas is at 25-1 hockey odds.

Even though the Canucks are also the best team in terms of statistics, they are not just the best team in the league in terms of record. On all fronts the Canucks have been absolutely dominant. They are also allowing fewer goals defensively than any other team as they are averaging more goals than any other team in the league.

Even though the Stars do seem to find a way to win despite not being great at any one thing, they don’t really match up with the Canucks well in any statistical category.

When the Canucks have power play opportunities in this game, the Stars will need to make sure to crack down defensively. The Stars have one of the worst penalty kill percentages in the league whereas the Canucks have the best power play offense in the league.

In this game, the Canucks will need to limit the effectiveness of Brad Richards. In both goals and assists, Richards is leading the Stars. The Canucks should easily take out the Stars if they can limit his role in the game.