Expert prediction
NHL Playoffs Game One: Wild vs Stars Prediction, Odds, and Picks (Apr 17)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Dallas Stars finished fourth in the Western Conference standings
- Minnesota Wild won five of their last ten to seal sixth in the standings
One of the most interesting opening round match-ups in the playoffs this season comes from the Western Conference. The Dallas Stars finished slightly higher in the standings, but the Minnesota Wild will be looking to overturn those final positions with a victory in this opening round showdown.
How To Watch
- When: Monday, April 17, 2023, at 9:30 p.m ET
- Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas
- How To Watch: NHL TV
Odds
| Wild | Stars |
|---|---|
Team News
The Dallas Stars come into this opening game as the overwhelming favorites in the betting. They ended the season in excellent fashion, landing victories in eight of their last ten. They could yet be one of the biggest dangers in the conference, as their consistency is clear for all to see. The Stars are yet to lose three straight games in the NHL this term, and come into this showdown after winning their last six.
The one slight issue may be their home record this season, as they have landed three fewer wins at the American Airlines Center than they have on the road. But, if they can address that issue, we could see them playing a key role in the battle for a Stanley Cup spot.
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Meanwhile, the Wild appeared to have a spot at the top of the Central Division at their mercy back in February, as they went on a striking winning run until the end of March, winning 16 of their 21 games. However, it could be argued that they peaked at the wrong time, as they went just 1-3-2 across the final games of the season in April.
They still comfortably finished in a playoff spot, as they took sixth in the overall standings. But, there would be a huge need for them to get back into the same kind of form that saw them emerge as a potential Stanley Cup dark horse at the end of March.
Picks
This is a tricky opening round match-up for both of these teams, and it could feasibly go either way. We are going to go against the odds for this opening game, as we will side with the Wild taking an early advantage after winning three of their last five against the Stars.
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