NHL Playoffs: Stars vs. Wild Picks – Game One Betting Preview, Team News, and Predictions (Apr 18) 

• When: Saturday, April 18, 2026. 5:30 PM ET
• Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas
• How to Watch: ESPN+

Game Result	Odds
Dallas Stars	-119
Minnesota Wild	+105

Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild Preview

The NHL Stanley Cup playoffs get underway this week, with a number of fascinating first round clashes. The Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild will collide in the postseason for the third time, with the Stars winning each of the previous two. Their most recent encounter was won in six games by Dallas in the first round in 2023.

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Dallas Stars Stats & Team News

• Overall Record: 50-20-12
• Home Record: 26-11-4
• Road Record: 24-9-8
• Top Goal Scorer: Wyatt Johnston/Jason Robertson (44)

The Dallas Stars have been common challengers in the postseason, achieving playoff finishes in seven of the last eight seasons. It was a reliable regular season for the Stars, with only the Colorado Avalanche recording more wins than the Stars in the Western Conference.

Defensively, the Stars were reliable, allowing 226 goals. However, one of their biggest strengths coming into this Game One showdown is their recent run of form. Dallas have recorded wins in each of their last five, which includes a recent shootout success over the Buffalo Sabres.

Injury News:

Miro Heiskanen (Doubtful)

Minnesota Wild Stats & Team News

• Overall Record: 45-23-12
• Home Record: 22-10-8
• Road Record: 23-13-4
• Top Goal Scorer: Kirill Kaprizov (45)

The Minnesota Wild will be playing in the NHL Playoffs for the second straight year after achieving their berth with a win over the Vancouver Canucks at the start of the month.

Only the Stars and Avalanche recorded more wins in the regular season of the Western Conference than the Wild, with the franchise bringing strong form into Game One after winning six of their last ten. A three-game losing run was ended in their final regular season game of the season, as the Wild produced an offensively strong display to beat the Anaheim Ducks 3-2.

Injury News:

Quinn Hughes (Doubtful) Zach Bogosian (Doubtful)

Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild Picks

There was little between these sides in the regular season, with each winning on two occasions. However, the home strength of the Stars, and their experience in the playoffs could ultimately get them over the line in game one on Saturday evening.

Free Pick:

• Dallas Stars (-119)