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 2-2 Stars
How to Watch: US TV: ESPN2; Fan Duel Sports North; Victory+; Fan Duel Sports Wisconsin; ESPN+. Canada TV: SN360; TVA Sports 2.
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
We have a critical Game 5 in this round of NHL predictions as the Minnesota Wild face the Dallas Stars. The Wild tied the best-of-seven up with a 3-2 overtime win in Game 4. Matt Boldy‘s goal with 29 seconds left in the first OT period was enough to tie the series at two games apiece.
This series has gone according to what many predicted would happen barring the surprising Game 1 blowout by the Wild. The big guns for Minnesota like Kirill Kaprizov have come out in force in Minnesota’s two wins.
Dallas has been absolutely lethal on the power play with a 42.1 percent conversion rate. The Stars got three power-play markers in Game 3 and are rolling with the extra attacker.
Let’s take a look at the statistics and storylines heading into this pivotal Game 5 in this latest round of NHL predictions.
The Wild Story
Both games at the Grand Casino Arena went to at least one extra period. The Wild and the Stars each collected an overtime victory in the Twin Cities. However, Minnesota may rue going 1-for-7 in Game 3 when on the power play.
Jesper Wallstedt has been solid in his first series in goal. There’s plenty of pressure on the rookie to keep up with Jake Oettinger. However, the Swede has a 2.06 goals-against-average and a .929 save percentage.
Matt Boldy and Joel Eriksson Ek each have three goals to tie for the team’s lead. Kaprizov and Eriksson Ek each have five points to share the team’s lead in that category.
(Credit Image: © Steve Roberts/Cal Sport Media/Cal Sport Media)
The Stars Story
After a terrible opening game, Dallas got back on track wins in Games 2 and 3. The Stars’ power play has been deadly this series and has made the Wild pay nearly half the time Minnesota has taken a penalty.
Oettinger overcame a shaky opening game and has settled into being the goalie that’s capable of stealing a game. The Lakeville, Minn. native has a 2.69 GAA and a .902 save percentage. He also made some key saves in Game 3 to give the Stars a chance to steal that game.
Jason Robertson is tops on the team in goals (4) and points (6) so far this postseason. Matt Duchene has five assists so far for the Stars to lead in that category.
Prediction
This series has gone back-and-forth and is pretty much a best-of-three. Staying out of the box will be important for the Wild in this game. However, the Stars are strong at home and should take advantage of home ice.
Prediction: Stars win 3-2.
Best Bets
We close out this set of 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.
As for individual props, take Quinn Hughes to get at least one assist for Minnesota. On the Dallas side of things, take Wyatt Johnston to net a goal.
Main photo by: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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