*8* SURE SHOT on Dallas Stars.

The Dallas Stars are sitting top of the Western Conference and had won five straight prior to a 7-4 loss to the Sens Tuesday. They've had plenty of time to dissect that performance, and I like them to rebound with a win against the Vancouver Canucks Friday night.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. The Stars' Defense - Antti Niemi was chased off the ice after after giving up five goals on just 16 shots against Ottawa. He had conceded only one goal over his last two starts prior though, both against the Sabres, and Dallas as a team had conceded just 16 goals over a nine-game span.

2. Previous Meetings - Dallas has won five consecutive head-to-head meetings with the Nucks, including five straight at American Airlines Center.

3. X-Factor - Tyler Seguin has seven goals and eight assists over 11 games this month. He's looking good to stay hot as he has five goals and 14 points in nine games versus Vancouver.

Selection: This is a play on the Dallas Stars (6*)