In this article, we will formulate a Dallas Stars vs Minnesota Wild prediction for this NHL game on Friday, December 27th at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Dallas Stars Betting Preview
The Dallas Stars are 20-13-0 this year after they defeated Utah by a score of 3-2 in their last game. Dallas scored twice in the second period to break the tie and they were able to hang on for the win in the third. The Stars outshot Utah by a total of 29-26, won 55.4% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. Dallas got goals from Benn, Blackwell, and Hintz, while DeSmith stopped 24 out of 26 shots in the game.
Prior to that win, the Stars lost to the Rangers by a score of 3-1 and the Maple Leafs by a score of 5-3. Dallas has scored 3.15 goals per game and they have allowed 2.58 goals against per game, while also going 15.9% on the power play and 84.9% on the penalty kill this season. Matt Duchene has led Dallas with 13 goals, 17 assists, and 55 shots on goal, while Jake Oettinger is 16-9-0 with a 2.42 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage this year.
Minnesota Wild Betting Preview
The Minnesota Wild are 21-10-4 this season after they defeated Chicago by a score of 4-3 in their last game. Minnesota was tied at two going into the third period, but they scored two of the last three goals for the win. The Wild were outshot by a total of 31-27, won 50% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Minnesota got goals from Foligno, Kaprizov, Faber, and Spurgeon, while Gustavsson stopped 28 out of 31 shots in the game.
Prior to that win, the Wild lost four games in a row against the Jets, Hockey Club, Panthers, and Golden Knights. Minnesota has scored 2.94 goals per game and they have allowed 2.69 goals against per game, while also going 17.6% on the power play and 69.4% on the penalty kill this season. Kirill Kaprizov has led Minnesota with 23 goals, 27 assists, and 120 shots on goal, while Filip Gustavsson is 15-5-3 with a 2.28 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage this year.
Why the Wild will beat the Stars
- The Wild have won four of their last six games as road underdogs.
- The Stars have lost four of their last five Friday games as favorites.
- The Stars have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last four games against Central Division opponents.
- The underdogs have covered the puck line in five of the Stars’ last six games.
- The road team has won the first period in four of the last five games between the Wild and Stars.
Total Goals Facts
- Seven of the Stars’ last eight games against Western Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Each of the Wild’s last four night games against the Stars following a home win has gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Four of the last five games between two teams from the Central Division have gone UNDER the total goal line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in each of the Wild’s last six night games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Stars’ last four games following a road win.
Dallas Stars Player Prop Facts
- Matt Duchene has scored a goal in each of his last four home appearances against the Wild.
- Jamie Benn has recorded an assist in six of the Stars’ last seven night games at American Airlines Center.
- Roope Hintz has recorded at least one point in each of the Stars’ last eight home games against the Wild.
- Jason Robertson ranks T1st in the Central Division for shootout goals (1) this season.
Minnesota Wild Player Prop Facts
- Mats Zuccarello has recorded at least one assist in six of the Wild’s last seven games as road underdogs against the Stars.
- Mats Zuccarello has recorded at least one point in six of his last seven appearances against Western Conference opponents.
- Kirill Kaprizov ranks 1st in the league for multi-goal games (6) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Dallas Stars rank 4th in the league for goals against per game this season (2.58).
- The Dallas Stars rank 5th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (84.95%).
- The Minnesota Wild rank 30th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (69.41%).
- The Minnesota Wild rank 6th in the league for goals against per game this season (2.69).
Dallas Stars vs Minnesota Wild Prediction
Minnesota was able to snap their losing streak in their last game, but they have lost four of their last five games and have scored two goals or fewer in all four of those losses. The Wild are 12-3-3 on the road this year, while the Stars are 13-5-0 at home. Dallas has lost two of their last three games and while their offense has also struggled recently, their defense has been playing well. Both of these teams have fantastic defensive numbers on the season and I really think they are pretty even, so give me the plus money with a Minnesota team that is great on the road.