Wild vs. Stars: Minnesota begins two-game trip against division rivals
119. 7 p.m. CST. ESPN . Thursday, April 14 . Wild -1.5. 45-21-6. 98. 42-27-4
The Minnesota Wild look to strengthen its playoff position on Thursday night and also deliver a blow to Dallas’ postseason hopes at the same time.
The Wild begin a two-game road trip at the American Airlines Center, both of which are against Central Division rivals. Minnesota enters the matchup tied with St. Louis for 96 points, but the Wild are in second place in the Central due to having a game-in-hand against the Blues.
The two teams meet in St. Louis on Saturday afternoon, and are in position to meet in the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
NO BAD ANGLES❗#mnwild pic.twitter.com/y7lLItbpuc
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) April 13, 2022
Dallas sits in fifth place in the Central and holds the second Wild Card spot by three points over Vegas. The Stars also trail division rival, Nashville, by a point for the the top Wild Card position in the Western Conference.
The Wild, who are 10-9-2 against the Central Division this season, recalled forward Connor Dewar from Iowa on Thursday morning ahead of the Stars game. The 22-year-old has five points in 30 games with Minnesota this season. He also has 17 points in 18 games with Iowa.
#mnwild have recalled Connor Dewar with Jordan Greenway hurt and Nic Deslauriers banged up. 17 points in 19 AHL games for Iowa, has played well in 30 games for the big club
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) April 14, 2022
Minnesota has lost two of three matchups against the Stars this season, which includes a 6-3 setback in the last meeting on March 6 at the Xcel Energy Center. Kirill Kaprizov leads the Wild with four goals and nine points against Dallas in the three matchups.
The Wild are 7-7-2 in the past 16 games at the American Airlines Center. Minnesota is 34-35-13 in the series history with Dallas.
Betting odds
WynnBET has Minnesota favored by 1.5 goals in the start of the two-game road trip. Minnesota also is favored on the moneyline at -120 Dallas is the underdog at +100 and the over/under for the matchup is listed at six goals.
Upcoming Wild schedule
Saturday, April 16: @St. Louis, 2 p.m. CST
Sunday, April 17: San Jose, 5 p.m. CST
Tuesday, April 19: @Montreal, 6 p.m. CST