Wild vs Stars Prediction & Picks (Feb. 8): Can Dallas Add to Central Division Lead?

The Minnesota Wild look to take one step closer to the top of the Central Division when they visit the division-leading Dallas Stars on Wednesday, Feb. 8. Minnesota and Dallas have already split the first two Wild vs Stars matchups of the campaign, making it interesting to see who takes the third tonight.

Dubs are bigger in Texas ?

⏰ 7:30 p.m.
? @BallySportsNOR x @NHL_On_TNT
? @kfan1003
? American Airlines Center
? @WatchAtToms #mnwild pic.twitter.com/LiwMJfZskt

— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) February 8, 2023

After winning back-to-back games, the Wild picked up a 3-2 loss to the Arizona Coyotes on Monday. Minnesota had the 2-1 lead earlier in the third, but two unanswered goals from Arizona sealed the former’s fate. Even worse is the fact that the loss marked the Wild’s fifth consecutive road defeat.

Meanwhile, the Stars picked up a 3-2 shootout win over the Anaheim Ducks that same night despite blowing a 2-0 lead. Dallas now enters tonight’s contests on a five-game point streak, leaving time to tell if they can continue those ways at home.

There are a plethora of betting opportunities heading into tonight’s Wild vs Stars showdown. Here’s a look at BetOnline Sportsbook’s latest odds for the game, as well as a prediction and the best bet to make, courtesy of Betting News.

Minnesota Wild vs Dallas Stars Matchup Information and Betting Odds

Matchup Information

• Matchup: Minnesota Wild (27-18-4, 12-10-3 Away) vs. Dallas Stars (29-13-10, 14-5-6 Home)
• Venue & Location: American Airlines Center (Dallas, Texas)
• Date: Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023
• Game Time: 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time
• Wild vs Stars TV Info: TNT

Wild vs Stars Odds

Game odds are via BetOnline as of Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 9:18 a.m. ET. Odds from other top online sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.

Spread

• Minnesota Wild +1.5 (-215)
• Dallas Stars -1.5 (+172)

Over/Under

• Over 5.5 Goals (-120)
• Under 5.5 Goals (-104)

Moneyline

• Minnesota Wild +116
• Dallas Stars -140

Wild vs Stars Betting Trends

• Minnesota is 7-3 straight up in its last 10 games against the Central Division.
• Dallas is 4-1 straight up in its last five games against the Central Division.
• The total has hit the under in five of Minnesota’s last six games against the Western Conference.
• The total has hit the under in each of Dallas’ last six games.
• The total has hit the under in 12 of the last 18 Minnesota-Dallas matchups played at American Airlines Center.

Wild Struggling on the Road

As mentioned earlier, playing as the visitor has been a struggle for the Wild. Despite all the talent that they have, a four-game losing streak on the road can’t be ignored. Even worse is the fact that they’re 2-4-2 in their last eight road contests.

The Wild’s biggest issue in road games has been allowing too many goals. They’ve been outscored 17-9 — nearly double — during their four-game road losing streak, allowing at least four goals in three of those contests.

While Filip Gustavsson (tonight’s confirmed starter, per Daily Faceoff) is 7-3-0 in his last 10 road starts with a 1.89 goals-against average and .937 save percentage, he did allow four goals on 26 shots in his last away game.

The Wild’s offense has also dried up recently, regardless of where they've played. They’ve been held to exactly two regulation-time goals in each of the last four games, which might not be good enough to get it done against the Stars, who average 3.35 goals per game (No. 9).

And even though Minnesota already beat Dallas at American Airlines Center earlier this season, it’s worth noting that the Wild blew a 5-1 lead before needing a shootout to pick up the victory. Considering how the Stars won the subsequent meeting, it’s clear that the Wild need a more complete performance tonight.

Stars Aim to Stay Strong at Home

The Stars are one of the NHL’s best teams this season and a lot of that has to do with their strong play at home. Peter DeBoer’s club is 14-5-6 at American Airlines Center ahead of tonight’s game, outscoring opponents 91-70 in those contests.

Jason Robertson has been the Stars’ best player in their own backyard, leading his team with 20 goals and 39 points at home. Roope Hintz and Joe Pavelski have also been point-per-game players at home, tallying 27 points apiece. Defenseman Miro Heiskanen isn’t too far behind, recording 22 points in 23 games played in Dallas.

Goaltender Jake Oettinger has been playing like a brick wall at home lately. He’s gone 5-0-3 in his last eight stars in Dallas, playing to a 1.97 GAA and .930 SV% with a shutout. On top of that, Oettinger hasn’t lost a home game in regulation since Dec. 21.

Furthermore, Oettinger is 3-0-0 (five appearances) in his career against the Wild. While his stats aren’t terrific (3.19 GAA, .878 SV%), he’s still made the necessary stops to help his team win.

Wild vs Stars Prediction and Picks

Wild vs Stars Prediction: Stars 3, Wild 2

Wild vs Stars Best Bets: Stars ML (Best Value: -140 at BetOnline) & Under 5.5 Goals (Best Value: -104 at BetOnline)

As solid as the Wild can be, their recent road play is too concerning to trust. The Stars have played well at home and it’s always tough to beat Oettinger any time that he takes to the crease. After outplaying Minnesota in the first two Wild vs Stars matchups, I like Dallas’ chances of winning again tonight, so back the home team on the moneyline.

I also recommend backing the total to finish under 5.5 goals. For starters, the Wild’s offense has been underwhelming lately. Secondly, the total has gone under in each of the Stars’ last five home games.

With the total also going under in 12 of the last 18 Wild vs Stars matchups played in Dallas, a low-scoring affair is a real possibility.

Other Minnesota vs Dallas Betting Resources

• Wild vs Stars Consensus Picks, Score Projections & Betting Stats