Ottawa Senators (18-15-2) vs. Minnesota Wild (22-10-4)
December 29, 2024 8:00 pm EDT
The Line: Minnesota Wild -140 / Ottawa Senators +120; Over/Under: +5.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article, we will formulate a Minnesota Wild vs Ottawa Senators prediction for this NHL game on Sunday, December 29th at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Minnesota Wild Betting Preview
The Minnesota Wild are 22-10-4 this year after they defeated the Stars in overtime by a score of 3-2 in their last game. Minnesota trailed 2-0 in the third period, but they were able to score two late goals and pick up the win in overtime. The Wild were outshot by a total of 29-18, won 51.9% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Minnesota got goals from Foligno, Brodin, and Faber, while Gustavsson stopped 27 out of 29 shots in the game.
Prior to that win, the Wild defeated the Blackhawks by a score of 4-3 but did lose the four games before that. Minnesota has scored 2.94 goals per game and they have allowed 2.67 goals against per game, while also going 17.4% on the power play and 70.5% on the penalty kill this season. Kirill Kaprizov has led Minnesota with 23 goals, 27 assists, and 120 shots on goal, while Filip Gustavsson is 16-5-3 with a 2.26 goals against average and a .922 save percentage this year.
Ottawa Senators Betting Preview
The Ottawa Senators are 18-15-2 this season after they lost to Winnipeg by a score of 4-2 in their last game. Ottawa led 2-0 in the second period, but they allowed the last four goals in the game for the loss. The Senators outshot Winnipeg by a total of 35-23, won 60.9% of the face-offs, and went 2-4 on the power play in the game. Ottawa got goals from Greig and Stutzle, while Sogaard stopped 19 out of 23 shots in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Senators lost to the Oilers by a score of 3-1 but did win the six games before that. Ottawa has scored 3.09 goals per game and they have allowed 2.85 goals against per game, while also going 23.7% on the power play and 77.3% on the penalty kill this season. Tim Stutzle has led Ottawa with 11 goals, 28 assists, and 69 shots on goal, while Leevi Merilainen is 1-1-0 with a 3.72 goals-against average and a .846 save percentage this year.
Minnesota Wild vs Ottawa Senators Prediction
Minnesota comes into this matchup looking for their third straight win, as they try to get back on track after a rough few games earlier in the month. The Wild are 9-7-1 at home this year, while the Senators are 8-9-1 on the road. Ottawa lost to Winnipeg on Saturday, but they have won six of their last eight games. The Senators have played very well over the last two weeks, but I don’t trust their goaltending situation right now. Take the Wild here.
