Wild vs Stars NHL Showdown: Predictions, Odds, and How to Watch Tonight’s High-Stakes Game

The Minnesota Wild and Dallas Stars clash tonight in a high-stakes NHL battle at Xcel Energy Center. With playoff implications on the line, both teams bring contrasting momentum into this Central Division rivalry.

Dallas enters as slight favorites (-150) having won 4 of their last 5 meetings, including a 3-0 shutout victory in March. However, Minnesota’s defensive stalwarts and red-hot power play (20.3%) could disrupt the Stars’ offensive rhythm.

Can Kirill Kaprizov outduel Jason Robertson in this marquee matchup? Tune in at 7:00 PM CT on ESPN+ for what promises to be a physical, potentially overtime thriller.

Wild vs Stars NHL Showdown: Preview and Predictions

The Minnesota Wild and Dallas Stars are set to clash in a high-stakes NHL matchup tonight at the Xcel Energy Center. Both teams enter this game with contrasting recent forms—the Wild riding a three-game win streak while the Stars aim to rebound from inconsistent performances. Dallas holds a psychological edge, having won four of their last five meetings, including a decisive 3-0 shutout on March 25, 2025.

Key factors to watch include special teams efficiency, with Dallas’ power play operating at 22.1% (14th in the league) compared to Minnesota’s 20.3% (21st). The Wild’s penalty kill (5th best) will be tested against the Stars’ potent offensive unit. Goaltending could prove decisive, as Jake Oettinger (Dallas) and Filip Gustavsson (Minnesota) both boast save percentages above .915 this season.

While Dallas has dominated recent matchups, Minnesota’s home-ice advantage and momentum make this a true toss-up game. Watch for Kirill Kaprizov to break his mini-slump tonight.

Key Players to Watch

• Jason Robertson (DAL): 5 goals, 7 assists in last 10 games
• Kirill Kaprizov (MIN): Team-leading 12 points this season
• Miro Heiskanen (DAL): Quarterbacking Dallas’ power play

Odds and Betting Analysis

Sportsbooks currently favor Dallas with moneyline odds of -150, while Minnesota sits at +130. The puck line is set at 1.5 goals, and the over/under for total goals is 5.5. These odds reflect Dallas’ superior offensive firepower but perhaps undervalue Minnesota’s defensive structure.

Interesting betting trends to consider:

• 7 of Dallas’ last 10 games went to overtime
• Minnesota has covered the spread in 4 straight home games
• Under has hit in 3 of last 5 Wild-Stars meetings

The under 5.5 looks tempting given both teams’ defensive focus lately. For value bets, consider Minnesota’s moneyline—their home crowd could be the X-factor.

How to Watch: Broadcast and Streaming Options

Hockey fans have multiple viewing options for tonight’s matchup:

• TV Broadcast: Bally Sports North (Wild market), Bally Sports Southwest (Stars market)
• National Streaming: ESPN+ (blackout restrictions apply)
• International: NHL.tv (subscription required)

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM CT at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul. Pre-game coverage begins at 6:30 PM on regional networks.

Same-Game Parlay Recommendations

For bettors looking to maximize returns, consider these parlay combinations:

The moderate parlay offers the best balance—Minnesota typically keeps games close at home, and Kaprizov is overdue for a breakout performance.

Special Teams Battle: Power Play vs Penalty Kill

Tonight’s game may hinge on special teams performance. Dallas converts 22.1% of power plays (14th NHL), while Minnesota kills penalties at 84.3% (5th best). This contrast sets up an intriguing strategic duel.

Key special teams statistics:

• Dallas PP: 8 goals in last 25 opportunities
• Minnesota PK: Only 3 PPG allowed in last 15 kills
• Referee Crew: Known for calling 4+ penalties per game

Discipline will be crucial—if Minnesota takes more than 3 penalties, Dallas’ skilled players will make them pay. The Wild must stay out of the box to win.

Goaltending Matchup Analysis

The netminders could steal the spotlight tonight. Dallas’ Jake Oettinger (2.45 GAA, .918 SV%) faces Minnesota’s Filip Gustavsson (2.38 GAA, .920 SV%). Both goalies have excelled in recent starts.

Recent performance trends:

• Oettinger: 3-1-1 in last 5 with .934 save percentage
• Gustavsson: 4 straight wins, allowing 2 or fewer goals
• Last meeting: Oettinger’s 32-save shutout

Gustavsson has been Minnesota’s MVP during this win streak. If he outduels Oettinger tonight, the Wild could pull off the mild upset.

Historical Context and Rivalry Notes

This Central Division rivalry has produced several memorable moments. Dallas leads the all-time series 52-44-12, but Minnesota has won 3 of last 5 home meetings.

Notable recent matchups:

• March 25, 2025: Dallas 3-0 win (Oettinger shutout)
• February 14, 2025: Minnesota 4-3 OT win (Kaprizov GWG)
• December 5, 2024: Dallas 5-2 victory (Robertson hat trick)

These teams always play each other tough—expect another close contest tonight with potential overtime drama. The rivalry intensity seems to bring out the best in both squads.