NHL: Wild vs. Stars Picks and Odds | April 9, 2026
Written by: Nick Zanghi
Published: Thu Apr 09, 2026, 12:46 pm ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
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We're getting a preview tonight of one of the best first round matchups. The Minnesota Wild head south to take on the Dallas Stars. These two teams last played it was a chess match with the Wild winning 2-1 in overtime.
Dallas is 46-20-12 this season and second in the Central Division. They come into this game off a win over the Flames in overtime on Tuesday. The Stars are 3-5-2 in their last ten games, 24-11-4 at home and 16-6-3 in divisional games this year.
It's been a great season for the Stars and crazy they'll have such a tough first round matchup. The Central is one of the toughest divisions in the league, led by the league's best team, the Colorado Avalanche. If the Stars were in the Pacific, they'd lead in first by fourteen points.
This team just needs to keep doing what they're doing. They play smart two-way hockey, producing on offense and playing smart defense. Dallas has the second-best power play in the league, so Minnesota will have to play smart as well.
Goalie Jake Oettinger has been confirmed as the starter. He is 32-12-6 this season with a 2.61 GAA and a .899 save percentage. Oetty continues to be one of the top and most consistent goalies in the league year after year.
Check out the odds for this matchup and other NHL games at the best online sportsbooks.
Minnesota going to try to give Dallas a run for their money tonight
Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes hive fives his teammates on the bench after scoring a goal.
The Wild are 45-21-12 this season and third in the Central Division. They come into this game on a four-game winning streak after a win over the Kraken on Tuesday. Minnesota is 7-3-0 in their last ten games, 23-11-4 on the road and 13-7-3 in divisional games.
Another team with a crazy season. They've been playing so well and have amassed over 100 points on the season but fall to the third seed. Just like the Stars, if they we're in the Pacific Division, they'd lead first place by double digits.
On offense, the Wild are just as good as the Stars. They rank in the top of the league for goals scored and shots on goal per game. Their power play is solid, and their shooting percentage could use a little help. Defensively, they're between the pipes, ranking fourth best for goals allowed per game.
In net, we're expected to see Filip Gustavsson. He is 28-13-6 this season with a 2.59 GAA and a .909 save percentage. Let's check out the odds and get into the Wild vs. Stars picks.
Minnesota Wild vs. Dallas Stars Betting Odds and Game Information
Wild vs. Stars Betting Odds – April 9
| Team | Puck Line | Moneyline | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Wild | +1.5 (-250) | +105 | Over 6.5 (+115) |
| Dallas Stars | -1.5 (+185) | -125 | Under 6.5 (-135) |
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: Thursday April 9, 2026
- Puck Drop: 9 p.m. EST
- TV: ESPN+
Minnesota Wild vs. Dallas Stars Picks and Predictions
Dallas Stars players celebrate together after scoring a goal at home this year.
Wild vs. Stars Picks and Predictions: Game Total Under 6.5 Goals (-135) Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up with Lucky Rebel
We're got a chess match on our hands tonight. Both teams can afford the loss at this rate, but this will be for pride. We have good goaltending for this game, so we're going with the under 6.5 goals here.
Both teams may also play back a bit knowing their playoff situation. Running the risk of injury could definitely play a factor here which will result in a low score. Two great teams who are going to try and get this win the smart way.
I like for Oettinger to get over his saves line. It should come out around 27 saves and he's going to see over 30 shots in this one. He will be the X factor in this game for the Stars because if he can hold strong, they will most likely get the win.
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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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