Welcome back to the return of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in.

Thursday. Puck drop from the American Airlines Center is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's NHL odds around the Bruins vs. Stars odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Dallas Stars (9-5, in the Central Division) are back from a two-game road trip for a matchup against the Boston Bruins (8-7-2, in the Atlantic Division). The Stars bounced back from rough four-game stretch in historic fashion,

The Boston Fleet and the rest of the PWHL will be featured in the latest update for the NHL 25 video game series.

In a multiyear deal announced Wednesday, EA Sports' NHL 25 video game will feature Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) players and teams when the game drops Dec. 5.

Electronic Arts has incorporated the Professional Women's Hockey League into its NHL 25 video game. The six teams starting their second seasons Nov. 30 will be represented in "play now," "online versus,