NHLThursday, Apr 9, 2026, 10:00 PM UTC
Predicted
Wild 3-2
Actual
Wild 2-3

Stars
vs

Wild
AI Confidence: โก70%
Winner: Wild Win (โก70%)
Spread: Wild +1.5 (+1.5) (โก85%)
Total: Under 5.5 (โก75%)
Stars vs Wild Prediction
This is a pivotal Central Division matchup between the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild, who are set to meet in the first round of the playoffs. The Wild are currently on a four-game winning streak, while the Stars have shown recent inconsistency. Home-ice advantage for the playoffs is still on the line, adding extra motivation for both teams.
ATS PREDICTION
Wild Win
Predicted: 3-2
โก70%
The Minnesota Wild enter this crucial contest on a strong four-game winning streak, showcasing impressive offensive performances and solid goaltending. They have also won their last two head-to-head matchups against the Dallas Stars. In contrast, the Dallas Stars have been inconsistent, with a 3-5-2 record in their last 10 games. While Dallas has a strong home record, the Wild's current momentum and recent head-to-head success, combined with their effective penalty kill, give them an edge in what is expected to be a tight, playoff-style game.
SPREAD PREDICTION
Wild +1.5 (+1.5)
85%
The Minnesota Wild have covered the +1.5 puck line in 8 of their last 10 games, indicating their ability to keep games close or win outright. Given the anticipated playoff intensity and the Wild's strong recent form, even if the Stars manage a narrow win, the Wild are highly likely to stay within a one-goal margin.
TOTAL PREDICTION
Under 5.5
75%
Both teams boast strong defensive units, with Dallas ranking 2nd and Minnesota 4th in goals allowed per game this season. The Wild have allowed only one power play goal in their last six games, and the Stars are killing over 82% of opposing power plays over their last 10. Furthermore, with both teams already locked into a first-round playoff matchup, a more cautious, low-scoring affair with playoff intensity is expected rather than an offensive shootout.
๐ More Markets
๐ Additional Markets
First Period Winner
Minnesota Wild
The Wild's recent offensive surge, combined with their strong starts in recent games, makes them a good pick to take an early lead.
Player to Score Anytime Goal
Kirill Kaprizov (MIN)
Kirill Kaprizov leads the Wild in goals (43) and points (87) this season and is a consistent offensive threat.
Player to Score Anytime Goal
Wyatt Johnston (DAL)
Wyatt Johnston has 43 goals and leads the NHL with 26 power-play goals for the Stars, making him a prime candidate to find the net.
Exact Score (Regular Time)
Wild 3-2
A tight, low-scoring game is anticipated due to strong defenses and playoff implications, with the Wild narrowly edging out the Stars given their current form.
Total Goals - Team Specific
Dallas Stars Under 2.5
The Stars have averaged 2.5 goals in their last 10 games, and facing a hot Wild team with strong goaltending, scoring more than 2 goals could be challenging.
Stars vs Wild โ Key Stats (AI)
Betting Angles โ Stars vs Wild
โ Moneyline: Minnesota Wild
The Wild are offered at +105 to +109 moneyline, implying roughly a 48.78% chance of winning. However, their recent form (4 straight wins, 7 of last 10) and two consecutive wins against the Stars suggest a higher probability of victory, making the moneyline a value bet.
โ Total Goals (Under): Under 5.5
With both teams boasting strong defenses and effective penalty kills, and the game being a playoff preview, a low-scoring affair is highly probable. The Under 5.5 at +112 (or 2.12 decimal odds) presents excellent value given the defensive capabilities and anticipated game flow.
๐ฐ Sharp Money
Sharp money appears to be leaning towards the Wild on the moneyline, recognizing their recent surge, and also on the Under for total goals given the defensive strengths and playoff implications. Line movement: Initial lines saw the Stars as slight favorites, but there might be some movement towards the Wild moneyline and the Under as game time approaches, reflecting the Wild's strong form.
AI Same Game Parlay โ Stars vs Wild
๐ฅ RECOMMENDED SGP
3-LegCombined Odds: 10.87 (+987)
AI Confidence: 60%
$10 โ $108.70 | $25 โ $271.75 | $50 โ $543.50
Correlation: Positive - A Wild win (especially low-scoring) increases the likelihood of a strong defensive performance and key offensive contributions from their star players.
Risk Assessment
Medium Risk- โ ๏ธPlayoff preview status might lead to conservative play or unexpected lineup changes (though none reported).
- โ ๏ธHome-ice advantage for Dallas has historically been a factor in this matchup.
- โ ๏ธGoaltender performance: While both goalies are solid, a hot or cold night can significantly swing the outcome.
Model Confidence
โก78%
Data quality: High
Limitations
- โขSpecific injury updates immediately prior to puck drop may alter projections.
- โขPlayer motivation in a 'playoff preview' game can be unpredictable.
- โขImpact of potential physical play escalating due to impending playoff series.
This prediction is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute betting advice.
Stars vs Wild โ FAQ
As of April 9, 2026, Mikko Rantanen has returned for the Stars after a lower-body injury. No other major injuries or significant lineup changes were reported for either team leading up to this game.