NHL – FREE PLAY: Stars (83) vs. Jets (84)

The NHL rolls into Night 3, and we’ve got our first big slate of the season.

For today’s free play, I’m backing Dallas to come out strong despite missing captain Jamie Benn. Winnipeg’s also without their leader, Adam Lowry, so both benches will be looking for someone to step up. I like the Stars to spoil the Jets’ home opener and their shot at redemption after last year’s second-round exit.

Early on, road teams are 5–2, and Dallas looks ready to keep that rolling. With a fully healthy Miro Heiskanen anchoring the blue line and Glen Gulutzan returning as head coach in Dallas for the first time since 2013, the Stars want to make a statement early on.

Winnipeg’s X-factor could be Jonathan Toews, making his return to the NHL after 2 seasons away. The former Blackhawks captain brings leadership, but shaking off the rust won’t be easy.

Between the pipes, it’s a showdown of Team USA’s top two goalies — Connor Hellebuyck vs. Jake Oettinger — a potential Olympic preview for 2026. Both will want to make a statement early.

Both squads have firepower, so the over isn’t dead, but I’m trusting both netminders to get it done. You won’t see Dallas -110 often this season, so I’ll take the Stars to shine in Winnipeg and start 1–0.