Odds courtesy of TonyBet.
Stars vs Wild Game 1 Odds
These two are very even overall, hence why there’s no Game 1 favorite at NHL betting sites. The Stars sit at -122 odds, while the Wild comes back at -105.
As for the season series, they each won two games. Dallas and Minnesota have also met in the playoffs twice, with the Stars winning their most recent series in 2023.
Stars vs Wild Game 1 Analysis
The Stars are looking to overcome some serious playoff demons, having bowed out in the Western Conference Finals in three seasons in a row. While winning a Cup is undoubtedly the goal for this uber-talented team, getting past the Wild will be no easy task. Dallas finished with 112 points in the regular season, which ranked third in the league behind only the Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche. On both ends of the ice, this group is elite.
The Stars ranked ninth in goals scored with 3.33 per contest, despite registering the 30th fewest shots on target. Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston were two of the main catalysts, both scoring 45 goals each. To put their offensive importance into perspective, the next-closest was Mikko Rantanen with 22 goals. However, he still had 77 points overall, and seven different Dallas players posted at least 40 points in 2025-26. Defensively, the Stats were also second in goals allowed, giving up just 2.71 per game. Jake Oettinger and Casey DeSmith form a dynamic duo in net.
The Wild haven’t been a playoff contender for quite some time, but things feel different this time around. The acquisition of Quinn Hughes in the middle of the season certainly paid off for Minnesota, giving them one of the best defencemen in the league. In 48 games with the Wild, Hughes compiled five goals and 48 helpers. However, he is questionable for Game 1 due to illness.
Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy are the driving force behind Minnesota’s high-octane offense. Kaprizov scored 45 goals this season, while Boldy netted 42. The likes of Mats Zuccarello, Joel Eriksson Ek, and Brock Faber, among others, will be key in the outcome of this series. Minny is also a terrific defensive team, giving up only 2.87 goals per night. Their blue line and goaltending will need to be at its best against the Stars’ top guys.
Stars vs Wild Game 1 Picks
This is honestly one of the best first-round playoff matchups, and it could very well go seven games. However, Dallas has home ice advantage in Game 1, and they concluded the regular season with five straight victories. The Stars will take the series opener.
Pick: Stars -122 /TonyBet
