In this article, we will formulate a Minnesota Wild vs Vegas Golden Knights prediction for this NHL game on Sunday, December 15th 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 20-6-4 this season after they defeated Philadelphia by a score of 4-1 in their last game. Minnesota had their lead cut to 3-1 in the third period, but they added an empty net goal to pull away for the win. The Wild outshot Philadelphia by a total of 23-22, won 43.3% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Minnesota got goals from Boldy, Kaprizov (2), and Rossi, while Fleury stopped 21 out of 22 shots in the win.
Prior to that victory, the Wild lost to Edmonton by a score of 7-1 but did beat Utah by a score of 5-4 before that. Minnesota has scored 3.14 goals per game and they have allowed 2.55 goals against per game, while also going 19.5% on the power play and 70.4% on the penalty kill this season. Kirill Kaprizov has led Minnesota with 18 goals, 25 assists, and 96 shots on goal, while Filip Gustavsson is 14-5-3 with a 2.24 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage this year. The Wild will take on the Panthers, Utah, Jets, and Blackhawks after this game.
Vegas Golden Knights Betting Preview
The Vegas Golden Knights are 19-8-3 this year after they lost to Edmonton by a score of 6-3 in their last game. Vegas trailed 5-0 in the second period, but they did a good job of fighting back and making the game close. The Golden Knights outshot Edmonton by a total of 41-34, won 57.6% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Vegas got goals from Barbashev, Howden, and Olofsson, while Hill stopped 28 out of 34 shots in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Golden Knights won four games in a row against the Jets, Stars, Ducks, and Oilers. Vegas has scored 3.48 goals per game and they have allowed 2.86 goals against per game, while also going 27% on the power play and 79.7% on the penalty kill this season. Jack Eichel has led Vegas with nine goals, 31 assists, and 89 shots on goal, while Ilya Samsonov is 6-3-1 with a 3.16 goals against average and an .896 save percentage this year.
Why the Golden Knights will beat the Wild
- The Golden Knights have won three of their last four games as underdogs.
- The Wild have lost three of their last four games as home favorites against Pacific Division opponents.
- The Golden Knights have covered the puck line in each of their last eight games as road underdogs against Central Division opponents.
- The Wild have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last six games as home favorites against Western Conference opponents.
- The Golden Knights have won the third period in four of their last five games against the Wild.
Total Goals Facts
- Seven of the Wild’s last eight home games have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Each of the Golden Knights’ last five night games has gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Golden Knights’ last 11 games following a road loss.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3’ market has hit in 11 of the Wild’s last 12 games against Pacific Division opponents.
Minnesota Wild Player Prop Facts
- Kirill Kaprizov has recorded at least one point in each of his last 11 appearances with the Wild as favorites.
- Joel Eriksson Ek has recorded at least one assist in each of his last nine appearances on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- Kirill Kaprizov has scored a goal in seven of his last eight home appearances after playing less than 20 minutes the previous day.
Vegas Golden Knights Player Prop Facts
- Victor Olofsson has scored a goal in each of his last three appearances with his team as a road underdog against Western Conference opponents.
- Mark Stone has recorded at least one point in each of his last eight appearances in night games.
- Mark Stone has recorded at least one assist in each of his last five appearances against Central Division opponents.
Minnesota Wild vs Vegas Golden Knights Prediction
Minnesota comes into this matchup after losing two of their last three games and they have allowed 15 goals in those three contests. The Wild have been very good defensively this season, but they have struggled recently. Vegas is playing some very good hockey right now, but they are on a back-to-back after playing Edmonton on Saturday. The Golden Knights have allowed two goals or fewer in four of their last five games and they are one of the hottest teams in the NHL. Take Vegas to get the win here.