Dallas Stars Edge Minnesota Wild in Close Contest

What we said beforehand

The upcoming matchup between the Minnesota Wild and the Dallas Stars promises to be an intriguing contest, particularly as the Stars come in with a perfect away record of 3-0-0, while the Wild are looking to improve on their home record of 1-1-1. This game will take place at the Grand Casino Arena on September 26, 2026.

In terms of recent form, the Minnesota Wild have struggled, posting a record of 1-3-1 in their last five games. Their most recent outing resulted in a 2-0 loss to the Dallas Stars on September 24, 2026. Prior to that, they also lost to the Colorado Avalanche twice, first in a 5-2 defeat and then in a close 4-3 overtime loss. The Wild managed to secure a victory against the Chicago Blackhawks, winning 3-2 in overtime, but this win was sandwiched between two losses to the same team. Overall, the Wild have averaged 2.4 goals scored and 3.2 goals allowed in their last five games.

Conversely, the Dallas Stars have been in excellent form, boasting a record of 5-0 in their last five games. They have won their last eight games, which includes their recent victory over the Wild. The Stars have shown a strong offensive presence, averaging 3.2 goals scored and only 2.0 goals allowed in their last five games. Their most recent wins include two narrow victories against the St. Louis Blues, both ending 2-1.

When it comes to home versus away performance, the Wild have a mixed record at home, going 5-5 in their last ten games, while the Stars have excelled on the road, with a record of 9-1 in their last ten away games. The Wild's home scoring average stands at 3.1 goals per game, while they allow an average of 3.0 goals per game. In contrast, the Stars have been particularly stingy defensively on the road, allowing only 1.9 goals per game.

The two teams have met multiple times recently, with the Stars holding a slight edge in their head-to-head record at 3-2 over the last five encounters. Their most recent matchup ended in a 2-0 victory for the Stars, which adds to the Wild's current struggles against them. Earlier meetings this year saw the Wild secure a victory at home, winning 2-1, but they also suffered a 5-2 defeat in another encounter.

In terms of injuries, the Minnesota Wild will be without goaltender Filip Gustavsson due to a hip injury. The Dallas Stars are facing a more significant injury list, with goaltender Jake Oettinger out with a lower body issue, and several other players, including Cameron Hughes, Jaxon Fuder, Tristan Bertucci, and Matt Duchene, also sidelined with undisclosed injuries.

As for the betting lines, the market reflects Dallas's strong form, with odds provided by an unspecified provider favoring the Stars in this matchup. The conditions for the game are expected to be standard for early season hockey, with no specific weather concerns noted.

Viewers should watch for the performance of Bobby Brink, who leads the Wild with 2 goals and 2 points, and Kyle Capobianco, who has also accumulated 2 points for the Stars. The goaltending situation will be crucial, especially with the absence of key players like Oettinger for the Stars. Overall, this matchup is set to be a revealing test for both teams as they navigate the early part of the season.