Minnesota Wild at Dallas Stars odds, picks and predictions

The Minnesota Wild visit the Dallas Stars Wednesday for Game 2 of the Western Conference quarterfinals. Puck drop from American Airlines Center is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Wild vs. Stars odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Wild managed a subpar 2-3-2 record in the final 7 games of the regular season, but somebody forgot to inform Minnesota that it was an underdog heading into Game 1, and a big-time ‘dog in the series. But here the Wild are with a 1-0 series lead after a 3-2 double-overtime victory Monday.

Kirill Kaprizov got the party started with a power-play goal in the final minute of the 1st period, giving Minnesota the 1-0 lead.

In the 2nd period, it was Roope Hintz answering for Dallas on the power play, while Jason Robertson also notched a goal on the man advantage, and the hometown crowd was electric again. However, Sam Steel splashed cold water on the crowd, and the Stars, leveling the score at 2-2 with 5:35 left in the 2nd. Then, the offensive spigot was slammed shut.

There was no score in the 3rd period or in the 1st overtime period, as Filip Gustavsson and Jake Oettinger exchanged donuts. Ryan Hartman, who was wobbled by a hit earlier in the game, kept on in the game, and was the hero for the Wild in the 2nd overtime with a winner on an assist from Steel. And just for you trivia buffs, Hartman is the 1st player in NHL history born in the state of South Carolina.

Wild at Stars odds

BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:12 a.m. ET.

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Wild at Stars projected goalies

Filip Gustavsson (22-9-7, 2.10 GAA, .931 SV%, 3 SO – regular season) vs. Jake Oettinger (37-11-11, 2.37 GAA, .919 SV%, 5 SO – regular season)

Gustavsson was the surprise starter for bench boss Dean Evason, going with the 22-game winner over the Stanley Cup winner Marc-Andre Fleury (24-16-4, 2.85 GAA, .908 SV%, 2 SO).

Gustavsson stopped 51 of the 53 shots he faced, including 42 saves during even-strength situations.

Oettinger managed to stop 45 of the 48 shots he faced. He has allowed 3 or fewer goals in 9 straight starts since March 21 against the Seattle Kraken.

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Wild at Stars picks and predictions

Prediction

Stars 4, Wild 2

DALLAS (-155) is a strong play as a moderate favorite in Game 2 as it looks to bounce back from the disappointing 2 OT loss.

Dallas did a lot well in Game 1. It won 61 faceoffs to just 47 for Minnesota, good for 56.5%. The Stars also outshot the Wild 53-48, while outhitting the Wild 50-42.

Despite the win, the Wild are still just 12-31 in the past 43 trips to Big D. Look for the Stars to get the bounce back.

DALLAS -1.5 (+170) is a solid play on the puck line for a chance to nearly double up your initial wager.

Dallas has covered 2 of the last 4 on the puck line as a favorite, while going cashing in 6 of the last 9 on the puck line as a fave.

If you like Dallas to win, you should like it to cover the puck line, too.

The OVER 5.5 (+105) is worth a look in Game 2.

It appeared we were on a way to an Over result in Game 1, with 4 total goals with 5:35 to go in 2nd period, but then things came to a screeching halt.

I expect to see a little more urgency, and a little more offense, from the Stars in this must-win game.