Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. Our featured game of this edition is the Dallas Stars hosting the Minnesota Wild. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions
Minnesota Wild vs Dallas Stars
Series: Wild 1-0 Stars
How to Watch: US TV: ESPN; Fan Duel Sports North; Victory+; Fan Duel Sports Wisconsin; ESPN+. Canada TV: SN360; TVA Sports.
Time: 9:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
It’s Game 2 of the Western Conference first-round series between the Minnesota Wild and the Dallas Stars that features in our NHL predictions. Dallas is trying to figure things out after getting a 5-1 drubbing at the hands of Minnesota last game. However, the Stars have rallied back from bad starts in a postseason series before. Dallas lost the opening game of last year’s first-round series to the Colorado Avalanche by the same score. However, the Stars were able to turn things around.
Minnesota is flying high after beating one of the best home teams in the opening game of the series. The Wild are playing with house money after turning home ice advantage into their favour. However, Minnesota knows that Dallas will come out firing in this important game.
Let’s take a look at the statistics and storyline for this Game 2 edition of our NHL predictions. Remember to keep an eye on social media and team-trusted sources for any lineup changes.
The Wild Story
Minnesota has struggled to make many sustained Stanley Cup Playoff runs. However, the Wild got off to a dream start in the opening game against the rival stars. Matt Boldy scored twice and added an assist while Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello each added three points.
Jesper Wallstedt will likely get the call once again after a stellar Game 1 of the series. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The young Swede allowed only one goal in 24 shots.
Minnesota knows it’s probably in for a long series. However, going up 2-0 back to the Twin Cities would be a tremendous confidence booster.
(Credit Image: © Angelina Katsanis/Minneapolis Star Tribune via ZUMA Press Wire)
The Stars Story
It was a nightmare start for the Stars in another Game 1 of a series. Dallas seems to have this bad habit of starting the opening game of a playoff series on a bad foot. However, the Stars have experience digging out these self-imposed holes.
Jake Oettinger was hoping to silence the critics after he was controversially pulled by then head coach Peter DeBoer is last season’s finale against the Edmonton Oilers. However, Oettinger yielded five goals on 28 shots. Despite this, it looks like Glen Gulutzan will ride with Oettinger.
Jason Roberston was the only one to score for Dallas in the last game. The Stars had some chances in the second period, but Wallstedt slammed the door.
Prediction
Minnesota got its dream start in the series-opener. However, Dallas will come out firing in Game 2. The Stars have found a way to fight back after bad games. Expect Dallas to tie the series and head up north with a best-of-five.
Prediction: Stars win 4-2.
Best Bets
We round out this Game 2 edition of NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. The over/under for Game 2 of the Stars versus the Wild is 6.5, and we like the under in this game.
As for individual props, take Quinn Hughes to get a power-play point for Minnesota. On the Dallas end of things, take Wyatt Johnston to get a goal.
Main photo by: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
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