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 visiting 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: Stars 1-1 Wild
How to Watch: US TV: TNT; TruTV; Fan Duel Sports North; Victory+; Fan Duel Sports Wisconsin; HBO Max. Canada TV: SN360; TVA Sports.
Time: 9:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
It’s a pivotal Game 3 between the Dallas Stars and the Minnesota Wild that features in our NHL predictions. The Stars bounced back with a 4-2 victory on home ice to even the series at one game apiece. There was some panic on the Dallas end after a 5-1 loss in the first game. However, the Stars bounced back after another subpar series opener.
Veteran forward Matt Duchene was the game’s second star after getting a goal and an assist for the hosts. Jake Oettinger shook off a bad Game 1 to make 28 saves in the win.
However, the Wild defence provided plenty of scoring pop in Game 2. Brock Faber collected both Minnesota goals, but he’ll need some help from the rest of the lineup that was so good in Game 1.
Let’s take a look at the statistics and storylines for this Game 3 edition of NHL predictions.
The Stars Story
Dallas always seems to find a way to bounce back after dropping the series opener. The Stars are pretty proficient at getting the series lead after dropping the opening game of a series. Dallas would love to get home-ice back in the series,
Oettinger looked more like the player that was selected for the United States Olympic team. It did help that the Stars limited the Wild to eight shots in the final period.
Wyatt Johnston leads the team in points with three points, including a pair of goals. Jason Robertson has also scored twice in the series for Dallas.
(Credit Image: © Richard Ulreich/Cal Sport Media)
The Wild Story
Minnesota had a chance to get a massive 2-0 series lead after a stellar Game 1. However, Dallas used its defence and timely scoring to take care of business in the second game.
Jesper Wallstedt played well and made 30 saves in the loss. The Stars potted a late empty-net goal to finish off the scoring. However, it seems that Wallstedt will get the call again in between the pipes.
Joel Erikkson Ek and Kirill Kaprizov each have four points going into this game. That point total is good enough for second behind Boston Bruins forward David Pastrnak.
Prediction
Game 3s in any series are crucial for momentum. The Wild have two chances to assert control in the series. However, the Stars are always a tough out in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Dallas gets the job done and takes home-ice back. We’re still likely in for a long series.
Prediction: Stars win 4-2.
Best Bets
We close out this edition of NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. The over/under in Game 3 of the Stars versus the Wild is 5.5, and we like the over in this game.
As for individual props, take Miro Heiskanen to get a power-play point for Dallas. On the Minnesota side of things, take Matt Boldy to score.
Main photo by: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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