Summary: The Stars are a high octane machine in the offensive zone. Without the puck? Not as much.
Still, they should prove too much for their wildly inconsistent opponent (pun intended) to overcome. It is hard to like Minny's chances in this series, especially if Zach Parise's going to be sidelined for much of it.
It is uncertain how much further Dallas can go, but this is a series it can win.
PREDICTION: Stars in 6
Key injuries: MIN - Zach Parise, Thomas Vanek, Erik Haula DAL – Tyler Seguin (to miss game one)
Critical Factors: The Wild have performed better (15-11-1) under interim coach John Torchetti, fighting their way into the playoffs after a tough year. Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn are one of the deadliest combos in the league and how quickly they re-establish their chemistry after Seguin returns from injury could be a factor early. 
Devan Dubnyk must find his Vezina-finalist form of a year ago on a nightly basis for the Wild to hold back the NHL’s leading offense, but he has not shown a consistently high level this season. Two capable starters in Dallas means a decision in net needs to be made between Antti Niemi (2.67 GAA, 0.905 SV%) and Kari Lehtonen (2.76 GAA, 0.906 SV%), but neither has distinguished themselves. Having allowed the most goals against amongst teams in the playoffs, defense is a glaring concern if they hope to go to a championship.
Potential Breakout Players: Patrick Sharp brings playoff experience along with Johnny Oduya. He joins Benn on the top line with Seguin out. Jason Spezza has averaged almost point a game through his career in the playoffs (56-17-35-52) and is coming off a 33 goal season, including 12 in the last 17 games (17-12-6-18). Ales Hemsky has been hot as of late with 15 points in 17 games – but remain wary. Ryan Suter is essential to Minnesota’s overall game and will need to produce for them to move on.
Season Matchup: Dallas 4-1 - three of five games decided in OT (Dal 2-1)
Key Stats:
CF% 5v5 (war-on-ice.com): DAL 52.6% (2nd) 47.9% (23rd)
PDO (war-on-ice.com): DAL 99.7 (16th) MIN 100.7 (6th)
Power Play (NHL.com): DAL 22.1% (4th) MIN 18.5% (15th)
Penalty Kill (NHL.com): DAL 82.3% (10th) MIN 77.9% (27th)
Goals For per-game (NHL.com): DAL 3.23 (1st) MIN 2.60 (18th)
Goals Against per-game (NHL.com): DAL 2.78 (19th) MIN 2.49 (9th)
Notes: A clear advantage to Dallas in both special teams and possession.