The Wild did not finish the season strongly, losing 5 of 7 games. They have Kaprizov back finally but have lost their top center Eriksson Ek, and have 3 other centers compromised at the moment. The Stars, who looked shaky earlier in the season, are now 8-2, exceptionally stingy on defense, and scoring with regularity lately. The Stars are healthier, have a very big step up on the Wild on offense, and are a good home team. It is hard to argue with any of the goalies in this series, and a crap shoot at this point to see which one will stand out. Dallas is definitely the stronger club, now very well-coached, with the shadow of an early exit last year to motivate them. Take Dallas to win game one.