Updated April 22, 2026, 4:41 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
The\u00a0Dallas Stars<\/a> and the\u00a0Minnesota Wild<\/a>\u00a0meet in Game 3 of their best-of-7, Western Conference first-round series in the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Wednesday. Puck drop at Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, Minnesota, is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (HBO Max \/ truTV \/ TNT). Let’s analyze NHL odds around the Stars vs. Wild odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions<\/a>.<\/p>\n Series: Tied 1-1<\/p>\n After a 6-1 loss in the series opener Saturday, the Stars evened the series with a 4-2 win Monday over the Wild as -137 home favorites, with the total (6) pushing. C Wyatt Johnston scored twice, while C Matt Duchene added the go-ahead power-play goal and an assist. LW Jason Robertson also scored, and G Jake Oettinger made 28 saves.<\/p>\n The Wild had their chances in Game 2, but couldn\u2019t grab a 2-0 series lead. D Brock Faber provided a bright spot with his first 2 playoff goals, while D Quinn Hughes chipped in 2 assists. Injuries continue to pile up, with RW Mats Zuccarello already sidelined and C Yakov Trenin leaving early after a heavy hit. G Jesper Wallstedt made 28 saves, but it wasn\u2019t enough.<\/p>\n Watch the NHL on Fubo!<\/a>Stars at Wild odds<\/p>\n Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub<\/a> for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:31 p.m. ET.<\/p>\n Moneyline (ML): Stars +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Wild -130 (bet $130 to win $100)Puck line (PL)\/Against the spread (ATS): Stars +1.5 (-235) | Wild -1.5 (+190)Over\/Under (O\/U): 6 (O: +100 | U: -120)Stars at Wild projected goalies<\/p>\n Jake Oettinger (35-12-6, 2.62 GAA, .899 SV%, 4 SO) vs. Jesper Wallstedt (18-9-6, 2.61 GAA, .915 SV%, 4 SO)<\/p>\n Oettinger bounced back in Game 2, though he\u2019s 1-1 this series with a 3.54 GAA and .879 SV%. His overall playoff numbers remain solid at 33-31 with a 2.59 GAA and .911 SV%. He also closed the regular season on a high note, going 5-0 in April with a 1.94 GAA and .916 SV%. Oettinger has historically played well against the Wild, posting a 10-2-4 record in 18 games with a .915 SV%.<\/p>\n Wallstedt continues to impress early in the postseason, stopping 55 of 59 shots through 2 games with a 2.02 GAA and .932 SV%. The 23-year-old has carried over his strong finish to the regular season, where he posted a 1.86 GAA in his final 6 starts. He was especially sharp in Game 1, turning aside 27 of 28 shots. Overall, Wallstedt owns a .912 save percentage across 42 career appearances, including the postseason.<\/p>\n Stars at Wild picks and predictionsPrediction<\/p>\n Stars 3, Wild 2<\/p>\n BET STARS (-130).<\/p>\n Momentum shifts to the Wild as the series heads to Minnesota for Game 3 after a split in Dallas. Minnesota found its rhythm late in the season and has carried that balanced play into this matchup. LW Matt Boldy is a prime bounce-back candidate after a quiet Game 2 and should benefit from the energy at home. In net, Wallstedt has been reliable overall, giving the Wild confidence between the pipes.<\/p>\n Dallas continues to lean heavily on its top line, and when that group is contained, the offense can stall out. While the Stars\u2019 defense keeps things competitive, Minnesota\u2019s ability to generate chances at 5-on-5 gives it a slight edge.<\/p>\n In what should be another tight game, home ice and depth tilt the advantage toward the Wild, making them a solid moneyline play.<\/p>\n PASS. I’m not interested in the puck line.<\/p>\n BET UNDER 6 (-120).<\/p>\n Strong defensive structure on both sides points to a lower-scoring Game 3. Dallas has struggled to generate consistent offense beyond its top line, especially with C Roope Hintz sidelined, while Minnesota is comfortable playing tight, controlled games.<\/p>\n With Wallstedt and Oettinger both capable of locking things down, this shapes up as a grind-it-out matchup where goals could be limited.<\/p>\n For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com<\/a> and BetFTW<\/a>.<\/p>\n Follow @DrewPhelps05 on\u00a0Twitter\/X<\/a>. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter\/X<\/a> and like us on Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n