JAMIE BENN

Robertson and Forsberg Headline a Reset in Nashville

Dallas leans on Seguin’s return and wing depth, while Saros and Oettinger hover as the likely last word at Bridgestone Arena.

Both clubs come in looking for a course correction after opening-night losses, but the shot mix points two different ways. Dallas generated more attempts than it allowed, yet gave up the better looks; their chances were worth about what you’d expect from 3.35 expected goals — a measure of chance quality — without the payoff. Nashville trailed on both volume and danger, with about 2.12 expected goals in their first outing, signaling a need for more pucks and bodies to the hard areas.

If it’s Juuse Saros versus Jake Oettinger, this tilts on which goalie cleans up second looks and which team limits the middle. The marquee skaters are there: Filip Forsberg, Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Roman Josi against Jason Robertson, Mikko Rantanen, Roope Hintz, Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin.

Standings-wise, it’s early but tangible: NSH sits 6th in the Central and DAL 7th. Two points here keep pace with the pack and nudge a division rival down the ladder.