NHL: Wild vs. Stars Game 1 Picks and Odds | April 18, 2026
Written by: Nick Zanghi
Published: Sat Apr 18, 2026, 8:00 am ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
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Welcome to the 2025-26 NHL Playoffs, where dreams are made and lost. Tonight, we have the craziest first round matchup between the Minnesota Wild and the Dallas Stars. This matchup could be a Conference Finals caliber showdown and it's the first round.
Dallas went 50-20-12 this season and finished second in the Central Division. They ended the season on a five-game winning streak after their last win over the Sabres in a shootout. The Stars were 7-2-1 in their last ten games and were 26-11-4 at home.
This team has been fantastic this season. They went on a 15-point win streak and didn't lose a game in regulation from January 23rd through March 15th. It's another 50-win and 100+ point season for Dallas.
During the season, they dealt with some injuries, but their core stepped up. Jason Robertson led the way with 96 points followed by Wyatt Johnston with 86. Mikko Rantanen only had 77 points but only played 64 games or he would've surpassed the century mark.
Goalie Jake Oettinger is expected to get the start. He went 35-12-6 this season with a 2.59 GAA and a .899 save percentage. This isn't Oetty's first rodeo, so he'll be ready for this Wild team that he went 4-1-1 against this season.
Check out the odds for this matchup and other NHL games at the best online sportsbooks.
Minnesota hungry to advance to the next round of the playoffs
Wild forward Kirill Kaprisov skates around the back of the Stars net and goalie Jake Oettinger.
The Wild were 46-24-12 this year and finished third in the Central Division. Like the Stars, if they were in the Pacific Division, they'd be in first place. The Central really has become one of the best divisions in the league.
Minnesota performed well this season. Their offense was very good, ranking in the top ten of the league in goals scored and shots on goal per game as well as power play conversion. They're going to be a handful that the Stars have been dealing with all season.
Kirill Kaprisov had another solid year with 89 points, but the breakout from Matt Boldy is really something for them to be excited about. He put up a career high 42 goals and had 43 assists to go with it.
Their defense took a huge jump when they traded for Quinn Hughes. He brought a burst of offense with me as well being one of the top offensive defenseman in the league. Brock Faber and Jared Spurgeon stock went right up.
In net, we're going to see Jesper Wallstedt. He went 18-9-6 this season with a 2.62 GAA and a .916 save percentage. Let's check out the odds and get in the Wild vs. Stars picks.
Minnesota Wild vs. Dallas Stars Betting Odds and Game Information
Wild vs. Stars Betting Odds – April 18
| Team | Puck Line | Moneyline | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Wild | +1.5 (-265) | +105 | Over 5.5 (-125) |
| Dallas Stars | -1.5 (+190) | -125 | Under 5.5 (+105) |
Odds courtesy of Lucky Rebel – Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up
Wild vs. Stars Game Information
- Venue: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
- Date: Saturday April 17, 2026
- Puck Drop: 5:30 p.m. EST
- TV: ESPN+, TVAS, FDSN
Minnesota Wild vs. Dallas Stars Picks and Predictions
Stars forward Justin Hryckowian and Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes fight for the puck.
Wild vs. Stars Game 1 Picks and Predictions: Game Total Over 5.5 Goals (-125) Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up with Lucky Rebel
This is going to be one of the best first round series. I think the Stars take this first game at home, but I also think we see a barn burner. In case the Wild do get the best of them, I'm going with the over on this game for a decent price.
Both offenses are powerful and the Stars defense is pretty good. Minnesota allows a lot of shots on goal per game which is going to give Dallas good chances at scoring. I think the home ice will also be on the Stars side for a playoff game.
I like for Jake Oettinger to get over his saves line. It will probably be around 26-27 saves, but the Wild have to pepper the net and should put up over 30 shots. I like this a lot the closer/lower than 26 saves than I'm predicting.
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Nick Zanghi
Nick Zanghi is an avid hockey fan who loves to bet on the NHL Props. He has also found a liking for the WNBA. Born and raised on LI, NZ is a lifelong Islanders #isles fan and a new NY Liberty fan #LIGHTITUPNYL. When not watching or attending sporting events, he enjoys grilling and time with his wife and kids.
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