{"id":485590,"date":"2026-03-21T10:11:22","date_gmt":"2026-03-21T14:11:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=485590"},"modified":"2026-03-21T10:11:22","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T14:11:22","slug":"nhl-predictions-dallas-stars-vs-minnesota-wild-march-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/03\/21\/nhl-predictions-dallas-stars-vs-minnesota-wild-march-21\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: Dallas Stars vs Minnesota Wild, March 21"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span>Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at\u00a0<\/span><em>Last Word On Hockey<\/em><span>\u00a0look 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 taking on the Minnesota Wild. D<\/span><span>on\u2019t forget to check out more\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/category\/nhl-predictions\/\" target=\"_self\">NHL Predictions<\/a>, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>NHL Predictions<\/h2>\n<h2>Dallas Stars vs Minnesota Wild<\/h2>\n<h3>Head-to-Head: Stars 1-1 Wild<\/h3>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/full-guide-for-how-to-stream-and-watch-nhl-hockey-games\/\" target=\"_self\">How to Watch<\/a>:<span>\u00a0<\/span><strong>US TV: Fan Duel Sports North; Fan Duel Sports Wisconsin; Victory+; ESPN+. Canada TV: Sportsnet+.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 4\u00a0p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)<\/p>\n<p>We open up NHL predictions with our featured game between the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/03\/18\/nhl-predictions-march-18-dallas-stars-vs-colorado-avalanche\/\" target=\"_self\">Dallas Stars<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/03\/19\/nhl-predictions-chicago-blackhawks-minnesota-wild-march-19\/\" target=\"_self\">Minnesota Wild<\/a>. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/o\/oettija01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jake Oettinger<\/a> is the projected starter for the Stars but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Dallas is 8-1-1 in its last 10 games, including a shootout win over the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/03\/20\/nhl-predictions-chicago-blackhawks-colorado-avalanche-march-20th\/\" target=\"_self\"> Colorado Avalanche<\/a> last time out. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/roberja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jason Robertson<\/a> and <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/j\/johnswy01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Wyatt Johnston<\/a> are tied for the team&#8217;s lead in goals with 37.<\/p>\n<p><a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/gustafi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Filip Gustavsson<\/a> is the confirmed starter for the Wild, who are 4-4-2 in their previous 10 games. Minnesota has dropped four of its last five games entering this matchup. However, the Wild did beat the Stars in the last meeting on December 11. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kapriki01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kirill Kaprizov<\/a> is tied with <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/boldyma01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Matt Boldy<\/a> for Minnesota&#8217;s lead in goals with 38.<\/p>\n<p>This could be a <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/story\/_\/id\/48261440\/nhl-playoffs-bracket-standings-2026-wild-card-bracket-games-matchups\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">possible Stanley Cup Playoff preview.<\/a> However, take Dallas to keep up momentum.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Stars win 4-3.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><span>(Credit Image: \u00a9 Jordan Teller\/ISIPhotos via ZUMA Press Wire)<\/span><p class=\"\" style=\"max-width: px\"><smartframe-embed class=\"smartframe_wp_element\" customer-id=\"b0c95bc04383cef69c6b47df872135cf\" image-id=\"WmOBIBgFQfwG\" style=\"width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 4840px; aspect-ratio: 4840\/3228;\" ><\/smartframe-embed><\/p><\/p>\n<div class=\"sf-preview-content-holder\">\n<p class=\"\" style=\"max-width: px;\"><smartframe-embed customer-id=\"b0c95bc04383cef69c6b47df872135cf\" image-id=\"WmOBIBgFQfwG\" style=\"width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 4840px; aspect-ratio: 1.49938 \/ 1; --canvas-wedge-error-size: 4840; --sf-original-width: 4840; --sf-original-height: 3228; --sf-is-portrait: 0; --sf-is-landscape: 1;\" preview-mode=\"\" lazy=\"\" tabindex=\"0\"><\/smartframe-embed><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><em>(Credit Image: \u00a9 Jordan Teller\/ISIPhotos via ZUMA Press Wire)<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Buffalo Sabres vs Los Angeles Kings<\/h2>\n<h3>Head-to-Head: Sabres 1-0 Kings<\/h3>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/full-guide-for-how-to-stream-and-watch-nhl-hockey-games\/\" target=\"_self\">How to Watch<\/a>:<span>\u00a0<\/span><strong>US TV: Fan Duel Sports West; MSG Buffalo; ESPN+. Canada TV: Sportsnet+.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 4<span>\u00a0<\/span>p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)<\/p>\n<p>Our second game of NHL predictions has the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/03\/06\/buffalo-sabres-acquire-depth-forward-from-new-york-rangers\/\" target=\"_self\"> Buffalo Sabres<\/a> going for the season sweep against the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/03\/13\/nhl-predictions-march-13-new-york-islanders-vs-los-angeles-kings\/\" target=\"_self\"> Los Angeles Kings.<\/a> <span><a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/luukkuk01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen<\/a> is getting the start for the Sabres, who are winners of nine of the last 10 games. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/thompta01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tage Thompson<\/a> leads the club in goals (35) and points (71) this season.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kuempda01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Darcy Kuemper<\/a> is the probable starter for the Kings, who are 5-3-2 in their last 10 games. However, Los Angeles is coming off a loss to the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/03\/11\/nhl-predictions-march-11-washington-capitals-vs-philadelphia-flyers\/\" target=\"_self\">Philadelphia Flyers<\/a> last time out. New acquisition Artermi Panarin is first in assists (49) and points (72) for the Kings.<\/p>\n<p>Both teams have plenty to play for at the moment. However, the Sabres grab the win.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Sabres win 5-3.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"max-width: px\"><smartframe-embed class=\"smartframe_wp_element\" customer-id=\"b0c95bc04383cef69c6b47df872135cf\" image-id=\"WmOBFAZC3UdK\" style=\"width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 2221px; aspect-ratio: 2221\/1554;\" ><\/smartframe-embed><\/p>\n<div class=\"sf-preview-content-holder\">\n<p class=\"\" style=\"max-width: px;\"><smartframe-embed customer-id=\"b0c95bc04383cef69c6b47df872135cf\" image-id=\"WmOBFAZC3UdK\" style=\"width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 2221px; aspect-ratio: 1.42921 \/ 1; --canvas-wedge-error-size: 2221; --sf-original-width: 2221; --sf-original-height: 1554; --sf-is-portrait: 0; --sf-is-landscape: 1;\" preview-mode=\"\" lazy=\"\" tabindex=\"0\"><\/smartframe-embed><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><em>\u00a0(Credit Image: \u00a9 Dirk Shadd\/Tampa Bay Times via ZUMA Press Wire)<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>New York Islanders vs Montreal Canadiens<\/h2>\n<h3>Head-to-Head: Islanders 1-0 Canadiens<\/h3>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/full-guide-for-how-to-stream-and-watch-nhl-hockey-games\/\" target=\"_self\">How to Watch<\/a>:<span>\u00a0<\/span><strong>US TV: MSGSN; ESPN+. Canada TV: SNE; City TV; TVA Sports.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)<\/p>\n<p>Our final game of NHL predictions has the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/03\/18\/new-york-islanders-sign-former-first-rounder-elc\/\" target=\"_self\">New York Islanders<\/a> visiting the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/03\/19\/montreal-canadiens-forward-out-with-upper-body-injury-2\/\" target=\"_self\">Montreal Canadiens<\/a>. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/sorokil01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ilya Sorokin<\/a> is the likely starter for the Islanders, who are 6-4 in their last 10 games. However, the Isles lost to the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/03\/21\/nhl-predictions-toronto-maple-leafs-ottawa-senators-march-21st\/\" target=\"_self\">Ottawa Senators<\/a> last time out. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/barzama01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mathew Barzal<\/a> is tops in assists (45) and points (63) for New York.<\/p>\n<p><a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/dobesja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jakub Dobes<\/a> is the probable starter for Montreal, which is 5-4-1 in the last 10 games. However, the Habs were beaten by the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/03\/21\/nhl-predictions-detroit-red-wings-boston-bruins-march-21st\/\" target=\"_self\">Detroit Red Wings<\/a> in their last game. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/caufico01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cole Caufield<\/a> reached to 40-goal mark and is the first player since <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/damphvi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Vincent Damphousse<\/a> in 1993-94 to reach that benchmark.<\/p>\n<p>Both teams are hoping to rebound off of losses. However, The Canadiens get the win.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Canadiens win 3-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Best Bets<\/h3>\n<p>We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let&#8217;s go back to our featured game for our preferred props. The over\/under for the Stars versus the Wild is 5.5, and we like the over in this game.<\/p>\n<p>As far as individual props, go with <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/heiskmi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Miro Heiskanen<\/a> to get a power-play point for Dallas. On the Minnesota side of things, go with <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hughequ01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Quinn Hughes<\/a> to get the over on 0.5 assists.<\/p>\n<p><em>Main photo by: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at\u00a0Last Word On Hockey\u00a0look 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 taking on the Minnesota [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2352,"featured_media":474939,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4524,29,4547,30,4548],"tags":[6254,6124,6028,6012,6016,6084],"class_list":["post-485590","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nhl-predictions","category-stars","category-hockey","category-wild","category-nhl","tag-buffalo-sabres-predictions","tag-dallas-stars-predictions","tag-los-angeles-kings-predictions","tag-minnesota-wild-predictions","tag-montreal-canadiens-predictions","tag-new-york-islanders-predictions"],"modified_by":"Dan Mount, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/485590","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2352"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=485590"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/485590\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":485592,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/485590\/revisions\/485592"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/474939"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=485590"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=485590"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=485590"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}