Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild Game 3 Prediction, NHL Odds
This series was widely expected to be the best of the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. It was off to a dud of a start thanks to a 6-1 beating the Wild put on the Stars in Game 1. But Dallas got things back on track with a 4-2 win in Game 2.
The series now shifts to Minnesota, where the Wild have home-ice advantage in a remaining best-of-five. Both of these teams have had their fair share of heartbreak over the years. Unfortunately for one of them, heartbreak is waiting at the door once again. In the meantime, fans are going to be treated to more fantastic hockey.
Stars vs. Wild NHL Betting Odds
The Wild are favoured at home on the NHL odds board carrying -135 odds to win and +185 to cover a -1.5 puck line. The Stars are +110 on the money line. The game total is currently 6.0 with the over being -105 and the under being -115.
In their six games played head-to-head this year, each team has three wins. What could easily be a -110/-110 or -115/-105 money line, the plus money for Dallas looks like decent value. But the plus money is because the Stars are still without one of their best players, Roope Hintz, as well as being on the road.
Dallas Stars
The Stars’ 6-1 loss in Game 1 was their highest-margin loss of the year. Not ideal. But they needed to bounce back and they did just that. This team has been to the Conference Finals in the past three seasons. They are experienced, and just like in Game 2, they are unlikely to let the moment get too big.
Experience and poise are important intangibles this time of year. Fortunately for the Stars, they also have plenty of tangibles. During the regular season, Dallas ranked second in the NHL in goals allowed per game, second in power play percentage, and third in points on the road. This is a good team and will give Minnesota everything they can handle.
Minnesota Wild
In the history of the Wild franchise, they have only advanced past the second round once. This organization and its fans are starving for postseason success, and now it feels like they finally have the pieces to make a legitimate Stanley Cup run.
Early on, Minnesota’s superstars have played the part. Matt Boldy, Kirrill Kaprizov, and Quinn Hughes have been great through two road games. Excellent performances by Joel Eriksson-Ek, Mats Zuccarello and Brock Faber only complement their superstar peers. This team is deep, talented, producing, and now is at home. This is a dangerous opponent.
NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Stars vs. Wild?
The Wild are a tough fade at home. Even in their Game 2 loss, Minnesota played well. Now they are in the driver’s seat with three games at home in the final five of the series. In their two games hosting the Stars during the regular season, the Wild won both by a combined score of 7-3.
In addition to the strong home performances against Dallas this year, as well as their strong form to start the series, this Minnesota team is just loaded. The players mentioned above are certified stars that need no elaboration. But the Wild also have two-time Stanley Cup winner Vladimir Tarasenko, enforcers Ryan Hartman, Nick and Marcus Foligno, and Zach Bogosian and Jake Middleton. Again, they are just too tough of a fade. Let’s go with the Wild to win 4-3.
DAL
MIN