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 2-1 Wild
How to Watch: US TV: TBS; TruTV; Fan Duel Sports North; Victory+; Fan Duel Sports Wisconsin; HBO Max. Canada TV: SNO; SN West; TVA Sports.
Time: 5:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
We’ve got Game 4 of this first-round series between the Dallas Stars and the Minnesota Wild in our sights for today’s NHL predictions. The Stars escaped with a 4-3 double overtime win in Game 3 to get a two games to one series lead. It was a hard-fought victory for the Stars, but it could have gone the other way. Minnesota had numerous extra-man opportunities but couldn’t cash them in.
However, it was Dallas that would get the power-play tally from Wyatt Johnston to get the win. The Stars went 3-for-8 with the extra attacker while killing off six of the seven power plays that the Wild got.
Many experts have argued that series has all the makings of one that will go the full seven games. Both Game 2 and Game 3 have been tight affairs after Minnesota got off to a shocking start in the series-opening game.
Let’s take a look at the statistics and storylines for Game 4 in this latest round of NHL predictions.
The Stars Story
After a shaky opening game, Dallas has buckled down on the defensive end to give itself a 2-1 series lead. The Stars penalty kill and goaltending have helped the team gain home-ice advantage back after giving it away in the first game.
Jake Oettinger has settled down after that bad first game and he’ll get the start again for Game 4. Oettinger may still have a save percentage that’s under .900. However, he’s made some great saves in the last two games.
Jason Robertson, Matt Duchene, and Johnston each have five points so far in this series. Robertson and Johnston each have three goals and two assists so far in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Duchene has two goals and three assists for the team.
The Wild Story
Minnesota may come to rue missing so many power-play chances. Marcus Johansson got a power-play marker for the Wild, but the Stars slammed the door on the kill in the third period and in the overtime sessions.
Jesper Wallstedt has held his own so far this season for Minnesota. Some were surprised that the more-experienced Filip Gustavsson was going to get the start in the series. However, Wallstedt has seemingly cemented his place as the team’s starter.
Joel Eriksson Ek leads the way with three goals and two assists for five points for Minnesota. Matt Boldy and Kirill Kaprizov are each close behind in second place with four points each.
Prediction
Both of these teams know this is a going to a pivotal game. Dallas could grab a commanding 3-1 series lead with a win in this game. However, Minnesota was just one goal away from having its own 2-1 series lead.
We thought this series would go the distance in our series outlook. That prediction still holds true for us.
Prediction: Wild win 3-2.
Best Bets
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. The over/under for the Wild versus the Stars is 5.5, and we like the under in this game. We also like the spread being less than 1.5 once again.
As for individual props, take Mikko Rantanen to get a goal for Dallas. On the Minnesota end of thing, take Quinn Hughes to get a power play point.
Main photo by: Matt Krohn – Imagn Images
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