Minnesota Wild (18-21-5) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (24-14-5)
Minnesota Wild vs. Carolina Hurricanes 1/21/24 – The upcoming clash between the Minnesota Wild and the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday, is set to be a riveting encounter in the NHL Regular Season. The Wild face off against the more stable Hurricanes that promises to be an enthralling display of skill and strategy, available for fans to enjoy in free hockey game previews across various platforms.
Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild and his 36 points from 37 games has proven himself an effective threat to Carolina Hurricanes’ defense this season, along with Mats Zuccarello and Joel Eriksson Ek. Together, they form a formidable trio capable of breaking down defenses. Zuccarello’s playmaking abilities combine well with Eriksson Ek’s scoring prowess to provide unpredictable attacks from Minnesota that are challenging even their strongest opponent: Carolina’s defensive setup which has been central to their success this season.
Conversely, Carolina Hurricanes’ offense led by center Sebastian Aho is an unpredictable and potent challenge to Minnesota Wild’s defensive strategies. Aho has amassed 48 points in 40 games while Seth Jarvis and Andrei Svechnikov’s contributions have given Carolina a balanced attacking front. Their ability to create scoring opportunities and capitalize on power plays may provide the keys for unlocking Minnesota’s defensive strategies despite recent fluctuations.
Minnesota Wild vs. Carolina Hurricanes 1/21/24 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, January 21, 2024, at 5:00 PM ET |
| Where: | PNC Arena |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Filip Gustavsson vs. Goaltender Antti Raanta
Wild netminder Filip Gustavsson has appeared in 24 games this season, accruing a 10-11-2 record along with a 3.13 goals against average. Over his 1345:33 minutes on the ice, he’s made 618 saves on 692 total shots for a .893 save percentage. Gustavsson has allowed 74 goals and faced 10 shootout attempts, stopping 8 of them. He will need to be at his best against a deep Hurricanes offense.
Hurricanes goaltender Antti Raanta has played 19 games with a record of 9-6-2. He possesses a 3.28 goals against average in 1006:53 minutes played. Raanta has turned away 364 of 419 shots for a .869 save percentage and allowed 55 goals. In shootouts, he’s stared down 5 attempts and made 3 saves. The veteran netminder has struggled as of late and will need to regain his early season form to stymy a capable Wild offense. If Raanta falters, the Hurricanes suspect defense could make this a high-scoring contest.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
As of now, the betting odds for this game are yet to be determined. However, considering the current standings and recent performances, it is likely that the Hurricanes might enter as slight favorites, given their better overall record. Bettors should keep an eye on the evolving odds, especially the puckline and moneyline, as they can offer insights into the expected dynamics of the game.
Minnesota Wild Betting Trends
The Wild have struggled lately, going 1-3 straight up and 2-2 against the spread (ATS) over their last five contests. They’ve been better on the road from a betting perspective, posting an 11-9 ATS record away from home. Totals bets have gone Over in two of their last four games. For the season, 10 of their 22 home games have exceeded the projected total.
Carolina Hurricanes Betting Trends
The Hurricanes enter this contest with some positive momentum, earning a 3-2 straight up and 1-4 ATS record over their previous five matchups. Carolina has posted a losing 8-15 ATS record on home ice this campaign. Only one of their last five contents cleared the projected total. For the season, totals have gone Over in 11 of 20 games at PNC Arena.
Minnesota Wild vs. Carolina Hurricanes 1/21/24 Betting Picks
Considering the statistical trends and team performances, this game appears to be a closely contested affair. The Wild’s offensive talent, matched against the Hurricanes’ defensive solidity, sets the stage for an intriguing battle on the ice. The goaltending matchup, while slightly favoring the Hurricanes, could see unexpected turns given the volatile nature of the NHL.
In terms of picks, while the Hurricanes might edge out as favorites, the Wild’s potential for an upset cannot be discounted, especially with their offensive leaders capable of game-changing performances. Prop bets on individual player performances, especially on goal scorers like Kaprizov and Aho, could be interesting. The over/under for this game will largely depend on the goaltenders’ form on the day. Bettors should consider the recent trends and individual matchups, especially in the context of sports handicapping, to make informed bets.
Free Pick and Prediction: Carolina Hurricanes 4, Minnesota Wild 2