Nashville Predators (15-22-7) vs Minnesota Wild (27-14-4)
Game Info: Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 8:00 pm (Bridgestone Arena)
The Line: Betting Odds: Nashville Predators -142 / Minnesota Wild +120 — Over/Under: 5.5
In this article, we will formulate a Minnesota Wild vs Nashville Predators prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, January 18th at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Minnesota Wild Betting Preview
The Minnesota Wild are 27-14-4 this year after they lost to Edmonton by a score of 5-3 in their last game. Minnesota led 2-0 and 3-2, but they allowed the last three goals in the game for the loss. The Wild were outshot by a total of 36-34, won 47.5% of the face-offs, and went 2-3 on the power play in the game. Minnesota got goals from Boldy, Hartman, and Rossi, while Gustavsson stopped 31 out of 36 shots in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Wild lost to the Golden Knights by a score of 4-1 but did beat the Sharks by a score of 3-1 before that. Minnesota has lost three of their last four games and they are currently second in the Central standings with 58 points. Minnesota has scored 2.96 goals per game and they have allowed 2.78 goals against per game, while also going 19.5% on the power play and 70.9% on the penalty kill this season. Kirill Kaprizov is the leading scorer for Minnesota, but he is on IR, while Marco Rossi has added 17 goals, 22 assists, and 85 shots on goal. Marc-Andre Fleury is 9-3-1 with a 2.54 goals against average and a .910 save percentage this year.
Nashville Predators Betting Preview
The Nashville Predators are 15-22-7 this season after they defeated Chicago in a shootout by a score of 3-2 in their last game. Nashville led 1-0 after the first period, but they needed a goal late in the third period, before winning in the shootout. The Predators outshot Chicago by a total of 41-26, won 62.9% of the face-offs, and went 1-4 on the power play in the game. Nashville got goals from Forsberg and Stamkos, while Saros stopped 24 out of 26 shots in the game.
Prior to that win, the Predators defeated the Golden Knights by a score of 5-3 but did lose to the Capitals by a score of 4-1 before that. Nashville has won four of their last six games and they are currently second to last in the Central standings with 37 points. Nashville has scored 2.45 goals per game and they have allowed 3.11 goals against per game, while also going 19.8% on the power play and 83.1% on the penalty kill this season. Filip Forsberg has led Nashville with 13 goals, 25 assists, and 150 shots on goal, while Jonathan Marchessault has added 14 goals, 19 assists, and 131 shots on goal. Juuse Saros is 10-18-6 with a 2.75 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage this year.
Why the Predators will beat the Wild
- The Wild have lost each of their last eight night games at Bridgestone Arena following a loss.
- The Predators have won seven of their last eight night games at Bridgestone Arena after coming off a shootout.
- The favorites have covered the puck line in each of the Wild’s last five games.
- The Wild have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last three games as underdogs.
- The Wild have lost the third period in eight of their last nine games as underdogs following a loss.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Predators’ last five games against the Wild following a win have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Each of the Wild’s last four games against the Predators following a loss has gone OVER the total goals line.
- Eight of the last nine Saturday night games between two teams from the Central Division have gone UNDER the total goal line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in each of the Wild’s last six games at Bridgestone Arena.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Predators’ last five games as home favorites against the Wild.
Nashville Predators Player Prop Facts
- Ryan O’Reilly has scored a goal in each of the Predators’ last four games against the Wild.
- Jonathan Marchessault has recorded an assist in each of the Predators’ last six games.
- Steven Stamkos has recorded at least one point in each of his last 10 appearances with his team as a home favorite against Central Division opponents.
- Steven Stamkos has scored the first goal in three of the Predators’ last four games at Bridgestone Arena.
Minnesota Wild Player Prop Facts
- Kirill Kaprizov has recorded at least one point in 14 of his last 16 appearances in road games.
- Mats Zuccarello has recorded an assist in seven of his last eight appearances against the Predators.
Minnesota Wild vs Nashville Predators Prediction
Nashville comes into this matchup looking to pick up their third straight win and they will be at home for this contest. The Predators are 10-8-3 at home this year, while the Wild are 16-4-3 on the road. Minnesota has lost three of their last four games and they continue to battle injuries to a few key players. The Wild have allowed at least four goals in four of their last five games and I do not like how they are playing right now. Minnesota has a great road record, but these injuries are giving them a ton of trouble. Take Nashville to win at home.