Todd Cordell
• Betting Analyst
12+ years betting experience
Updated:
Apr 20, 2026 , 06:18 PM ET
• 3 min read
Our Wild vs. Stars predictions expect Mikko Rantanen & Co. to be better in Game 2.
Photo By – Reuters Connect. Mikko Rantanen on the ice during Game 1 against the Wild.
Mikko Rantanen had an exceptional year as a facilitator, tying Jack Eichel and Macklin Celebrini for ninth in the NHL with a pace of 70 assists per 82 games.
My Wild vs. Stars predictions and NHL picks see Rantanen coming through as a creator in a crucial Game 2 for his team.
UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight.
Wild vs Stars Game 2 prediction
Who will win Wild vs Stars Game 2?
Dallas: The Stars were not as bad defensively as they seemed in the series opener, allowing only 2.6 expected goals. They just couldn’t get a save. Jake Oettinger should be better in Game 2, and the Stars will play with desperation in front of them — they can’t afford to head back to Minnesota down 2-0.
Wild vs Stars best bet: Mikko Rantanen Over 0.5 assists (-125)
Mikko Rantanen took his playmaking to a different level this season, producing 55 assists over just 62 appearances. That’s the highest per-game output of his career.
He was at his best in Dallas, picking up at least one helper in 68% of his games — and 73% following a day of rest.
While Rantanen didn’t record an assist in Game 1 against the Minnesota Wild, the underlying metrics were very strong. The Dallas Stars generated 26 shot attempts, 14 scoring chances, and 1.91 expected goals during his minutes.
The Wild are unlikely to keep Rantanen off the scoresheet if he replicates those numbers.
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Wild vs Stars Game 2 same-game parlay
Miro Heiskanen paced the Stars in ice time, and they were dangerous during his minutes, generating a team-leading 17 shots on target and 2.44 expected goals.
Matt Boldy posted game-highs in shots (eight) and shot attempts (10) in Game 1. That’s normal for Boldy, who has generated 4+ shots on goal in seven straight vs. Dallas.
Lastly, Jonas Brodin recorded multiple blocks in 72% of away games this season, and has cleared that mark in five of the last six against Dallas. The Stars will be desperate in Game 2, which could lead to more block opportunities.
Wild vs Stars SGP
Miro Heiskanen Over 0.5 points
Matt Boldy Over 2.5 shots
Jonas Brodin Over 1.5 blocked shots
Wild vs Stars Game 2 goal scorer pick
Wyatt Johnston (+145)
Wyatt Johnston led Stars forwards in time on ice during Game 1 and was one of two Dallas players to generate multiple high-danger looks. He is elite at finding space in the slot, and the Wild ranked 27th in defending that shooting zone this season.
It’s also worth noting that Johnston was by far the league’s most lethal power play scorer, and there tends to be more penalties early on in playoff series.
Wild vs Stars odds for Game 2
Moneyline: Wild +105 | Stars -125
Puck Line: Wild +1.5 (-240) | Stars -1.5 (+195)
Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-130) | Under 5.5 (+110)
Wild vs Stars trend
Mikko Rantanen has assisted in three of his last four home games against Minnesota. Find more NHL betting trends for Wild vs. Stars.
How to watch Wild vs Stars Game 2
Location
American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
Date
Monday, April 20, 2026
Puck drop
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Wild vs Stars latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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