Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild 2026 NHL Playoffs Series Preview, Picks, Odds

By Kody Malstrom | Apr 17, 2026, 2:16pm

Rivaling the Avs for the Presidents’ Trophy, the Dallas Stars were quietly able to match their output throughout the year, cementing themselves as a viable contender for the Stanley Cup. Their defense has helped carry them to success, ranking near the top of the board in most defensive metrics.

Unfortunately for the Stars, they have to start their run to the Stanley Cup with a brutal matchup against Minnesota, drawing a Wild team who has been getting hot at just the right time. With their first round matchup projected to be a defensive slugfest, expect them to go all seven games, creating one of the more exciting series in the first round of the playoffs.

Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild Series Betting Analysis

Since the start of the regular season, the Dallas Stars back line have been able to play at a very high level, ranking sixth overall in Expected Goals Against in All Situations and in 5-on-5 Play. WIth their defense consistently suffocating opposing front lines, Jake Oettinger has been able to string together his performances, averaging less than 2.60 Goals Against per game.

Unfortunately for the Stars, their front line has fallen into a prolonged cold stretch of play, falling out of the top-15 in Expected Goals For in All Situations. Their lack of depth outside of their top two lines have made it hard for them to pressure the net for the full duration of the contest, fielding just four players who average more than 0.25 Expected Goals per game.

Heading into their first round matchup against the Minnesota Wild, expect the Stars struggles on offense to continue to persist as they face off against a back line who rivals them in Expected Goals Against in All Situations. Especially with Filip Gustavsson giving them the protection they need to hold off variance, averaging 2.69 Goals Against per game and a .904 Save Percentage.

Like the Stars, the Wild front line are also heavily dependent on their top two lines, lacking the versatility that is needed to stretch out their coverage. This will make them vulnerable to falling into a prolonged scoring lull, making it hard for them to pull away on the scoreboard.

Both teams also possess the depth at goaltender that is needed to avoid wear and tear, allowing them to rotate them throughout the series without suffering any regression. With the Stars and Wild expected to be a defensive slugfest from the opening puck drop, the margins will be razor thin, potentially needing to go all seven games just to declare the winner.

Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild Series Prediction, Pick & Best Bet

The Stars and Wild to go seven games is the series best bet.

Best Bet: 7 Games (+210)
Series Prediction: Stars 4-3 (+425)

Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild Series Schedule

Sat., Apr. 18 – Minnesota at Dallas, Game 1 – 5:30 p.m./ESPN
Mon., Apr. 20 – Minnesota at Dallas, Game 2 – 9:30 p.m./ESPN
Wed., Apr. 22 – Dallas at Minnesota, Game 3 – 9:30 p.m./TNT
Sat., Apr. 25 – Dallas at Minnesota, Game 4 – 5:30 p.m./TBS
Tue., Apr. 28 – Minnesota at Dallas, Game 5 if nec – TBD
Thu., Apr. 30 – Minnesota at Dallas, Game 6 if nec – TBD
Sat., May 2 – Dallas at Minnesota, Game 7 if nec – TBD

Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild Series Odds

Series Winner

Stars (-125)
Minnesota (+105)

Series Spread

Stars +1.5 (-230)
Stars -1.5 (+150)
Stars +2.5 (-550)
Stars -2.5 (+320)
Wild +1.5 (-185)
Wild -1.5 (+190)
Wild +2.5 (-400)
Wild -2.5 (+400)

Total Games

4 Games (+650)
5 Games (+265)
6 Games (+200)
7 Games (+210)

Series Score

Stars 4-0 (+1200)
Stars 4-1 (+500)
Stars 4-2 (+425)
Stars 4-3 (+425)
Wild 4-0 (+1500)
Wild 4-1 (+750)
Wild 4-2 (+500)
Wild 4-3 (+550)

Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild Series Betting Resources

Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild Series Players to Watch

Dallas Stars

Jason Robertson – Season Stats: 45 goals, 51 assists, +22
Wyatt Johnston – Season Stats: 45 goals, 41 assists, -5
Jake Oettinger – Season Stats: 35-12-6, 2.59 GAA, .899 SV%

Minnesota Wild

Kirill Kaprizov – Season Stats: 45 goals, 44 assists, +10
Matt Boldy – Season Stats: 42 goals, 43 assists, +18
Filip Gustavsson – Season Stats: 28-15-6, 2.69 GAA, .904 SV%

Photo Credit: AP/Tony Gutierrez

Kody Malstrom

Kody is a professional sports bettor and sports betting journalist with eight years of experience in the industry. He covers a wide range of sports, including NFL, NCAAF, NBA, NCAAB, NHL, MLB, and UFC. What started as a side gig has turned into a full time job, spending a majority of his time staring at odds screens and market movement. When away from the computer, Kody enjoys spending his time outdoors relaxing at the beach or golfing with friends.