The Dallas Stars (1-1-0) and Minnesota Wild (1-1-0) meet in Game 3 of the NHL Playoffs tonight. Puck drop is set for 9:30 p.m. EDT at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minn. The game will be broadcast live on TNT.
The Wild are favored by -1.5 on the puck line, with the over/under set at 5.5 (-130o / -110u). The Wild are a -130 favorite to win outright, while the Stars are +110 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Stars vs. Wild predictions and NHL picks.
Stars vs. Wild Odds, Pick
| Stars Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -230 | 5.5 -130o / 110u | +110 |
| Wild Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +190 | 5.5 -130o / 110u | -130 |
- Stars vs. Wild Spread: Wild -1.5 (+190), Stars +1.5 (-230)
- Stars vs. Wild Over/Under: 5.5 (-130o / +110u)
- Stars vs. Wild Moneyline: Stars +110, Wild -130
Stars vs Wild Polymarket Odds
Use Polymarket invite code Action to get early access and bypass 1 million+ people on the waitlist. Our Polymarket invite code also unlocks a trading bonus: Deposit $20, Get $20 Bonus!
Stars vs. Wild Preview
Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars hit the road after splitting their first two home games to open the series. There is no denying Dallas is a strong team, but there are a couple of concerns moving forward.
First is goaltending. Jake Oettinger is expected to start again, but he has not been in top form.
Oettinger has allowed three or more goals in six of his past nine starts, posting a .886 save percentage over that stretch.
Second, the team struggles to generate shots. This season, Dallas ranked 30th in shots on goal per game.
Failing to consistently test opposing goaltenders, especially one of the league’s top young netminders, could be problematic moving forward.
Minnesota Wild
That goaltender is Jesper Wallstedt, who has earned the starting role during his rookie postseason. Wallstedt posted a .916 save percentage and a 2.62 goals-against average through 35 appearances in the regular season.
He has carried that success into the playoffs, recording a .932 save percentage and a 2.02 goals-against average through the first two games. In addition to the goaltending edge, the Minnesota Wild are also a strong two-way team.
Minnesota finished the regular season ranked 12th in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) and eighth in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60). Subsequently, the Wild ranked sixth in expected goal share.
Stars vs. Wild Prediction
By comparison, Dallas finished lower in expected goal share. With the stronger goaltender and more efficient two-way play, Minnesota is the side to back in Game 3.
The Wild also return home, where they have played well. Minnesota won each of its final four home games to close the regular season, including one against Dallas.
Pick: Wild Moneyline
