Wild vs. Stars Game 5 Odds
| Wild Odds | +112 |
| Stars Odds | -134 |
| Over/Under | 5.5 (+108/-132) |
| Time | 8 p.m. ET |
| TV | TBS |
The Minnesota Wild and Dallas Stars series has arguably been the most exciting matchup of the Stanley Cup Playoffs thus far.
Both teams have responded well to lackluster performances. Most recently, the Stars won in Minnesota 3-2 after being whacked in the previous game 5-1.
Jake Oettinger came up huge for Dallas in Game 4, and if the Stars are going to continue to scratch and claw their way through the playoffs, they're going to need him to be just as clutch yet again.
Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild over the past decade or so have always been judged by being a very average team. The have certainly been above average this season, but going into Game 5 on the road with the series knotted at two, they're really going to show what they're made of.
The Wild were outplayed on home ice in Game 4 and definitely didn't deserve to win that game. However, it's good news for them that they have already taken a game on the road in this series, giving them the confidence to do so once again.
Minnesota needs to get its star player, Kirill Kaprizov, going if it wants to take this Dallas team down. Kaprizov only has one goal and zero assists in the four games of this series. He hasn't been quiet, but they need him to produce.
As a team, Minnesota can be much better at even-strength play, but it certainly is good news that the power play is clicking, skating to 23.5%.
Filip Gustavsson is likely to get his fourth start of the series. He has given his team a chance in every game, boasting a 1.72 Goals-Against Average and a .941 Save Percentage.
I expect him to be nothing short of stellar once again.
Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars haven't necessarily been so much better than the Wild; the teams have essentially been pretty even through the first four games.
Roope Hintz has led the way for his team, tallying four goals and four assists in this series thus far. The Stars' top guns have been playing well, but Jason Robertson has room for improvement. I'm not saying Robertson has been bad — he has one goal and three assists in this series — but I am positive that he could be better at 5-on-5, considering all his points have come on the power play.
The Stars have relied heavily on their power play in this series, but to be fair, they are clicking at a whopping 43.8%.
Jake Oettinger needs to build off of his most recent performance. He's been good in this series, but there is room for him to be better.
It's safe to say that this is a must-win game for the Stars with this series going to Minnesota for Game 6.
Wild vs. Stars Pick
I have liked the way this Dallas team has played all year long, and they now have the momentum as they return home off a huge road win.
The Wild haven't had an answer for the Stars' power play, and the playoffs are all about special teams and goaltending.
Gustavsson has been the better goaltender in the series, but Oettinger has another level in him without a doubt. I love the Stars' chances at home tonight. They have been physical and have also gotten production throughout the lineup.
Give me the Stars at home.
Pick: Dallas Stars ML -140 |
