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 2-3 Wild
How to Watch: US TV: TBS; TruTV; Fan Duel Sports North; Victory+; Fan Duel Sports Wisconsin; HBO Max. Canada TV: SN 360; SN East; TVA Sports.
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
We have an elimination game in the spotlight of tonight’s NHL predictions. The Minnesota Wild have a chance to advance out of the first round since the 2014-15 season. However, Minnesota has to defeat the Dallas Stars in order to accomplish that task. Minnesota beat Dallas, 4-2, in Game 5 for its second win of the series at the American Airlines Center.
Kirill Kaprizov led the way with a goal and two assists as the Wild got one step closer to taking a big monkey of their back. Matt Boldy also chipped in with a goal and an assist while Jesper Wallstedt stopped 20 of 22 shots in the victory.
Jason Robertson tallied a goal and an assist for Dallas. However, it wasn’t enough for the Stars to grab the series lead. Jake Oettinger made 24 saves on 27 shots and Minnesota grabbed a late empty-net goal.
Let’s take a look at the statistics and storylines entering this crucial Game 6 in this latest edition of NHL predictions.
The Stars Story
Dallas was usually a very good team at home in the regular season. However, the Stars have lost twice in the Metroplex in this series against the Wild. General manager Jim Nill has done all he can to load up this roster. However, the Stars are one game away from heading to the golf course.
Oettinger is expected to get the start once again for Dallas. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The former Boston University goalie has a 2.78 goals-against-average and an .899 save percentage. He’ll need to step up if the wants to help Dallas set up a winner-take-all Game 7.
Robertson has been red hot with eight points, including five goals in the first five games of the series. Veteran Matt Duchene has six assists so far in this five-game series. The Stars have plenty of firepower but know it’s win or go home.
(Credit Image: © Dirk Shadd/Tampa Bay Times via ZUMA Wire)
The Wild Story
Minnesota has struggled in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for most of its franchise history. However, the Wild are on the verge of a history-making playoff series win. It’s been over a decade since Minnesota has gotten out of the first round.
There were some concerns that Wallstedt wouldn’t be ready for the spotlight. However, the young Swede is carding a 2.05 goals-against-average and .920 save percentage during this run. The youngster has saved his team on plenty of occasions this series.
Kaprizov is already proving that he’s worth that massive raise that’s coming in the summer. The Russian star has nine points, including seven assists. Boldy is first on the club in goals with four.
Prediction
This game seems to be lining up for the Wild. They’ll be playing in front of a raucous crowd at the Grand Casino Arena and are on a two-game winning streak. However, the Stars are a very dangerous team and have been up against the wall before. Expect Dallas to force a Game 7 back at home.
Prediction: Stars win 3-2.
Best Bets
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. The over/under for the Stars versus the Wild is 5.5, and we like the under in this game.
As for individual props, take Miro Heiskanen to get a point in this game for Dallas. On the Minnesota end of thing, go with Quinn Hughes to score a goal.
Main photo by: Matt Blewett – Imagn Images
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