DALLAS (25-14) AT CHICAGO (14-25) Preview CHICAGO (Interstat) — The Dallas Stars will look to avenge a recent shootout loss and continue their push in the Western Conference standings when they visit the struggling Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday at United Center. The matchup is a New Year’s Day affair featuring two teams on opposite trajectories. Dallas sits comfortably above .500, while Chicago has lost eight of its last 10 games (2-7-1). The Stars enter with momentum from a strong December, having gone 7-3-2 in their last 12 contests. They will be fueled by the memory of a 4-3 shootout loss to these same Blackhawks just five days prior on Dec. 27. In that game, Dallas forward Mikko Rantanen was dominant, registering a goal, two assists and a game-high eight shots on goal. Rantanen remains a central figure for Dallas. Over his last 10 games, he has tallied two goals and 12 assists, consistently driving the Stars’ offense. His playmaking will be a primary concern for a Chicago defense that has allowed 3.7 goals per game this season. The Blackhawks, meanwhile, are mired in a slump, coming off a 3-2 shootout loss to the New York Islanders on Tuesday. Scoring has been a persistent issue; the team has been held to two or fewer goals in regulation in seven of its last 10 outings. Forward Teuvo Teravainen, who scored against the Islanders, is a key piece. He also recorded four shots in the win over Dallas last week. Chicago’s victory over Dallas stands as a rare bright spot in a difficult stretch. Replicating that effort will require another strong defensive performance and timely goaltending against a deeper, more potent Stars lineup. According to National Statistical’s game simulator, Dallas is projected to win with a final score of 3-1. The game opens a two-game road trip for Dallas, which next plays in Montreal on Sunday. Chicago continues a five-game homestand and will host the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday.