Blue Jackets Limp Into Dallas on Halloween—Stars Ready to Feast

The Columbus Blue Jackets roll into American Airlines Center on Halloween night, and frankly, they're the ones dressed up as a competitive hockey team. Dallas, meanwhile, is treating this like a candy bowl left unattended on the porch—help yourself.

The Stars have been a wagon at home early this season, and they're catching Columbus at the perfect time. The Jackets are still searching for an identity after another summer of roster shuffling, and their defensive structure remains a work in progress. Dallas counters with a deep, balanced attack and a blueline that can transition with pace. When the Stars get rolling in waves at home, they're suffocating.

Special teams could be the difference-maker here. Dallas has weaponized their power play into a legitimate threat, while Columbus continues to leak goals when down a man. That's a recipe for a lopsided affair when you're already giving up quality chances at five-on-five.

The Jackets need a road upset to build confidence. The Stars need to keep stacking points while the Central is still sorting itself out. One of these teams is desperate in a good way. The other is just desperate. Expect Dallas to impose their will early and often, turning this into a comfortable Halloween rout.