The Dallas Stars and the Minnesota Wild square off in a first-round playoff battle between the third and seventh-best teams from the regular season, respectively.
This scenario is why so many people want the NHL playoff format to revert to its former version. On the other hand, what a spectacle we’re in for, with both teams among those with the seven shortest Stanley Cup odds.
I know who I’m backing, so let’s dive into it.
Stars vs. Wild Game 1 Odds, Spread, Over/Under
Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild Prediction: NHL Playoff Preview
The Stars sorted out some early-season kinks and haven’t looked back, with the second-best points percentage since Jan. 23 (.750).
In that time frame, the Stars rank eighth in goals per game (3.47), fifth in goals against (2.67), and third in power play (28.3%).
While those overarching stats are impressive, I’m most drawn to their record in one-goal games. No team is better in the aforementioned sample size, with their 14-2-3 record showcasing how elite the Stars are in such situations.
Wild’s Recent Wobble
The Wild, meanwhile, are sliding in the other direction, with a mediocre 10-10-2 record in the last 12 games.
During that stint, the Wild are 16th in goals for (3.09), 14th in goals against (2.95) and rank 20th in one-goal games (4-3-2).
With almost nothing to choose between the juggernauts in their season series, which I discuss below, the Stars’ superior recent form should prove decisive.
Stars vs. Wild Season Series
The season series was closer than a Gillette shave, with both teams scoring 13 goals.
With a 2-1-1 record, the Stars edged proceedings. They last played in Dallas on April 9, which the Stars won 5-4. The visiting team didn’t register a victory, finishing 0-3-1.
The Stars’ having home-ice advantage is another reason I expect them to advance to the second round.
Stars and Wild Season Stats
| Team | Goals For | Goals Against | Power Play % | Penalty Kill % | 1-Goal Game Record | Home Record | Away Record |
| Stars | 3.33 | 2.7 | 28.6 | 80.1 | 27-6-12 | 26-11-4 | 23-9-8 |
| WIld | 2.91 | 2.88 | 24.3 | 80 | 19-5-12 | 22-10-8 | 23-14-4 |
Stars vs. Wild: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not
Jake Oettinger is 16-2-2 in his previous 20 starts. While his .896 save percentage is lower than expected for such a superb record, he makes up for it with a 2.47 goals-against average (GAA).
Neither Wild goaltender has played particularly well since Feb. 27. Filip Gustavsson is 7-6-0 with a .884 save percentage and a 2.96 GAA, while Jesper Wallstedt, despite solid stats (0.918 save percentage, 2.31 GAA), is 3-4-2.
Jason Robertson scored five goals, and Wyatt Johnston netted four times in the previous four games.
Kirill Kaprizov scored seven in the last seven.
Stars vs. Wild Best Bets
I have the Stars to win in seven games. The hockey odds for this wager at the BetMGM online sportsbook are at +425.
The other pick I like is for the Stars to be up 2-1 after three games. Those odds are +125, representing a 44.44% probability.
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