Nashville Predators (25-20-1) vs. Minnesota Wild (20-21-5)
Nashville Predators vs. Minnesota Wild 1/25/24 – The NHL regular season is ramping up with an intriguing matchup as the Nashville Predators, holding a solid 25-20-1 record, face off against the Minnesota Wild, who stand at 20-21-5. This game, set for Thursday, is a critical juncture for both teams as they seek to strengthen their positions. The Predators, with their slightly better win-loss record, will look to consolidate their standing, while the Wild will be eager to inch closer to a .500 mark. Fans and bettors alike are keenly looking at this clash at the Xcel Energy Center for their NHL daily predictions, given its potential impact on the playoff race.
Nashville Predators’ offense has been inconsistent this season, led by Filip Forsberg on the left wing who has scored 22 goals and 27 assists while maintaining a 12.2% shooting percentage – making him a significant threat. Center Ryan O’Reilly also provides valuable contributions, with 17 goals and 23 assists himself. Their offense will face an uphill challenge against Minnesota Wild’s resilient defensive lineup; thus it is essential for Nashville to maximize their power-play opportunities, where both Forsberg and O’Reilly have shown considerable strengths.
Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek of the Minnesota Wild are a formidable threat on offense, leading them to 18 goals and 24 assists respectively and an outstanding 13.7% shooting percentage that speaks volumes of their efficiency. Eriksson Ek has contributed 19 goals and 17 assists, giving depth to their attack; thus the Predators defense led by Roman Josi will need to stay sharp to counter their threats, especially during power play situations when Kaprizov has proven himself so adeptly.
Nashville Predators vs. Minnesota Wild 1/25/24 Game Info
| When: | Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Xcel Energy Center |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Juuse Saros vs. Goaltender Filip Gustavsson
Juuse Saros has played 36 games in goal for the Predators so far, accruing an 18-17-1 record. Over 2002 minutes on the ice, he has a 2.97 goals against average along with a .902 save percentage. Saros has faced a heavy workload, making 912 saves on 1011 total shots. If he can continue to weather high shot totals from opponents, he gives Nashville a fighting chance.
As for Filip Gustavsson, he’s made 26 starts for Minnesota, earning a record of 12-11-2. In his 1435 minutes in net, he possesses a 3.30 goals against average and .896 save percentage. While facing less overall shots at 758, Gustavsson’s rate stats still trail Saros. However, he’s shown ability to get hot for stretches. If he can match one of his better performances and make 28+ saves, it keeps the Wild competitive.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this matchup are currently TBD, reflecting the closely matched nature of these teams. Bettors will want to keep a close eye on the moneyline and puckline as they become available, considering the recent form and head-to-head history of these teams.
Nashville Predators Betting Trends
The Predators have gone just 2-3 straight up in their last five contests. More concerning is their 1-4 record against the spread during that same span. Nashville has seen 9 of their previous 24 home games finish over the projected total. With an offense that has firepower and a defense capable of meltdowns, games often turn into shootouts.
Minnesota Wild Betting Trends
Over their past five games, the Wild have gone 1-3 straight up. However, they hold a 2-2 record against the spread over that same sample. 10 of Minnesota’s last 22 games at the Xcel Energy Center have exceeded the betting total. Their offense centered around Kaprizov and Eriksson Ek have kept games close recently. Expect that to continue here.
Nashville Predators vs. Minnesota Wild 01/25/24 Betting Picks
Given the recent form and betting trends, this game is shaping up to be a closely contested affair. The Predators have the offensive edge with Forsberg and O’Reilly, but the Wild’s defense and goaltending can neutralize this threat. The key will be the performance of the goaltenders: Saros for the Predators and Gustavsson for the Wild.
Considering all factors, including the top handicapper insights, the better pick seems to be the team with the stronger defensive setup, which in this case, leans slightly towards the Minnesota Wild. However, the Predators’ road record against the spread cannot be overlooked. Prop bets on individual player performances, especially for Forsberg and Kaprizov, could also offer value. As for the over/under, given the recent trends, a moderate scoring game seems likely.
Free Pick and Prediction: Nashville Predators 3, Minnesota Wild 2