In this article, we will formulate a Devils vs Wild prediction for this NHL game on Monday, March 31, at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Minnesota Wild Betting Preview
The Minnesota Wild (41-28-5, 36-38 ATS) will open a three-game road trip tonight in New Jersey after spending the previous three games at home. During that homestay, the Wild lost to the Golden Knights and Devils, while they beat the Capitals. Minnesota is 4th in the Central Division Standings with 87 points, the same as the Blues and 19 behind the first-placed Jets. The Wild will meet the Rangers, Islanders, Stars, Sharks, and Flames after this game.
The Wild score 2.69 goals per game on average (28th), while they concede 2.82 GPG (12th). This season, Matt Boldy leads the team with 62 points (24 G and 38 A). Marco Rossi has 55 points (22 G and 33 A), while Kirill Kaprizov chips in with 52 points (23 G and 29 A).
Filip Gustavsson (29-17-4) is expected to start for the Wild at the goal on Monday against the Devils. The 34-year-old is allowing 2.51 goals per game this year with a .916 SV% and five shutouts.
New Jersey Devils Betting Preview
The New Jersey Devils (39-29-7, 31-44 ATS) will spend six of the final seven games at home after coming back from a three-game road trip. On that trip, the Devils defeated the Blackhawks and Wild, while they lost to the Jets. New Jersey is 3rd in the Metropolitan Division Standings with 85 points, 18 behind the leaders Capitals.
The Devils average 2.97 goals per game this year (17th), while they allow 2.63 GPG (4th). Jesper Bratt leads the team with 86 points (20 G and 66 A). Nico Hischier contributes 62 points (33 G and 29 A), while Timo Meier has 48 points (22 G and 25 A).
Jacob Markstrom (24-14-6) will likely take his place in the cage for the Devils on Monday against the Wild. The 35-year-old is allowing 2.50 goals per game this year with a .900 SV% and three shutouts.
Why the Wild will beat the Devils
- The Wild have won four of their last five games as underdogs against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Devils have lost four of their last five games as home favorites.
- The Wild have covered the puck line in 11 of their last 12 games as underdogs against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Devils have failed to cover the puck line in 11 of their last 12 games following a road win.
- The Devils have lost the first period in four of their last five home games against Central Division opponents.
Why the Devils will beat the Wild
- The Wild have lost four of their last five road games.
- The Wild have failed to cover the puck line in four of their last five games as road underdogs.
- The Devils have won the second period in six of their last seven games as favorites against Western Conference opponents when leading after the first period.
Total Goals Facts
- Five of the Devils’ last six games as home favorites following a road win have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Each of the Wild’s last five Monday games as underdogs have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3’ market has hit in 12 of the Wild’s last 13 games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in four of the last five games between the Wild and Devils at Prudential Center.
Devils vs Wild Prediction
The Wild won six of the previous ten H2H encounters, but the Devils were victorious in the last three duels. Interestingly, both teams have been better on the road than at home this season, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the Wild get revenge for a loss from a few days ago. Still, I expect a low-scoring affair, even though the last three H2Hs went Over. Minnesota scored just one goal in the last two road games and is without Kaprizov, the second-top scorer, so I think the visitors will struggle offensively here. I am backing Under.