Stanley Cup Playoffs: Stars vs. Predators Game 1 start time, live stream

NASHVILLE, TN - FEBRUARY 7: Mattias Ekholm #14 of the Nashville Predators skates against Alexander Radulov #47 of the Dallas Stars at Bridgestone Arena on February 7, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - FEBRUARY 7: Mattias Ekholm #14 of the Nashville Predators skates against Alexander Radulov #47 of the Dallas Stars at Bridgestone Arena on February 7, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)

If you like defensive showdowns, you’ll love the Stanley Cup Playoffs matchup between the Dallas Stars and Nashville Predators. Game 1 starts on Wednesday, so here’s how you can watch via live stream.

The 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs open up on Wednesday, April 10. At 9:30 p.m. EST, the Nashville Predators will host the Dallas Stars at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. This game can be viewed on USA Network nationally in the United States. In Canada, you can turn to SN1 and TVAS. Locally, it will be on Fox Sports Tennesee and Fox Sports Southwest.

If you like defense, you’ll love this series. It features two of the best defensive teams in the NHL. The Stars finished with the second-fewest goals allowed this season while the Predators have arguably the NHL’s most talented group of defensemen. Ben Bishop (Dallas) and Pekka Rinne (Nashville) are both great goaltenders.

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The Stars are making a return to the postseason for the first time since the 2015-16 season. Back then, Dallas was known as being an offensive juggernaut. Now, they’re known for preferring to focus on defense more than offense. Dallas finished 29th in the league in goals scored (210) but also allowed just 209 goals.

They rely very heavily on Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, and Alexander Radulov to carry their forward core. Their depth is noticeably worse after that trio. Mats Zuccarello, though, should give them a boost. Dallas’ defense is led by John Klingberg and sensational rookie Miro Heiskanen. They also have a very capable backup goalie in Anton Khudobin.

On the other side of the ice, the Predators finished the regular season in a familiar position – on top of the Central Division. Though Nashville took a step back from last season’s President Trophy-winning performance, they’re still a force to be reckoned with.

Live Stream Information

Date: Wednesday, April 10
Start Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Bridgestone Arena
Location: Nashville, TN
TV Channel: USA Network (USA); SN1, TVAS (Canada); Fox Sports Southwest, Fox Sports Tennessee (local)
Live StreamFubo.tv (subscription required, but you get a free trial), USA Network

There’s a lot on the line for both teams. The Lightning are looking to complete a dream season and break the Presidents’ Trophy curse. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets are under pressure because they mortgaged a good portion of their future at the trade deadline.

For more 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs coverage, be sure to check out our Stanley Cup Playoffs page.