1* Free Play on the Dallas Stars.

The Dallas Stars (0-2) come in hungry, they've yet to win this year and they lost both contests against the Jackets last season. Dallas is a favorite amongst many to take the next step in the West after some strong moves in the offseason that brought in veterans Jason Spezza and Ales Hemsky. While the moves haven't panned out yet, I think that changes here. Dallas started the season with a loss to the powerhouse Blackhawks in a shootout and then suffered a predictable letdown in the following game at Nashville. Columbus (2-0) comes in looking to match its' best start in franchise history. Wins over the Rangers and Sabres have the fans and team excited but I think we need to take those victories into context, so far both of those clubs have been brutal. Columbus has also been bailed out by its All-Star goalie in Sergei Bobrobsky who has started off the season hot again. But note that the Jackets are still without some key skaters in Nathan Horton, Boone Jenner, Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Murray. Two games against easy opponents may have masked those absences, but I think it will be a lot tougher to do so against a focused, determined and revenge minded Stars team.

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