In this article, we will formulate a Red Wings vs Wild Prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, February 22nd, at the Little Caesars Arena. Let’s take a look at a Detroit Red Wings vs Minnesota Wild pick.
The home team has won the last four games, and each of the last three has been by at least two goals.
More Bad News for the Wild?
The Wild are getting ready to return from the break, but they appear to have been given bad news regarding their star, Kirill Kaprizov. He still hasn’t skated on his surgically repaired lower-body injury, and it’s unclear how much longer he will be out. Heading into the break, the Wild had won two games in a row, including the last game against the New York Islanders, where they were able to secure a 6-3 victory. Matt Boldy had a huge game, putting up two goals and adding an assist. Filip Gustavsson was in goal and saved 32 of the 35 shots that he faced.
The Wild are averaging 2.87 goals, while their defense is giving up 2.8 goals per game. The Wild’s offense hasn’t been elite, but the goaltending has made up for some of the lack of scoring. Opponents are only shooting 9.3 percent, which is 3rd in the NHL. Outside of Kaprizov, the Wild are dealing with other concerns, including not having Ryan Hartman, who is still suspended. Gustavsson could get the start in goal in this game, and he sits with a 22-11-3 record overall while giving up 2.63 goals per game. The Wild have won four of the last five games the Swedish goaltender has started. After this game, the Wild will meet the Red Wings and Utah.
Red Wings Goaltending Has to be Better
The Red Wings goaltending can’t be as bad as they were in the last game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. At the end of the first period, they were down 4-2 and couldn’t bounce back for the rest of the game. Alex Lyon saved only one of the three shots he faced, and Cam Talbot wasn’t much better, saving 11 of the 14 shots. Alex DeBrincat was the top offensive player, scoring one goal and adding two assists.
The Red Wings are averaging 2.85 goals, while their defense is giving up 3.1 goals. One major problem for Detroit is the shot differential, which is currently -2.25 in that department. The only actual injury concern right now for the Red Wings is Jeff Petry, who is currently on the injured reserve. Cam Talbot could get the start in goal in this game, and he has to be better than he was in the last game. He currently sits with a 16-11-2 record overall and is giving up 2.84 goals per game. He has two shutouts so far this season. After this game, Detroit will welcome the Anaheim Ducks to town.
Why the Red Wings Will Beat the Wild
- The home team has won each of the Wild’s last four games.
- The Wild have lost six of their last seven day games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The home team has covered the puck line in eight of the last nine games between the Wild and Red Wings.
- The Wild have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last three day games following a win.
- The Red Wings have won the third period in each of their last five games against Central Division opponents when leading after the second period.
Red Wings vs Wild Prediction
The home team has won the last five games played between the two teams, and that trend will continue here. The injuries are a significant problem for the Wild, and not having Hartman, Kaprizov, and maybe Joel Eriksson Ek is going to really hurt them here. The Wild overall are averaging only 2.87 goals per game, and missing a couple of key offensive players will make the offense struggle even more. Talbot or Lyon, whoever is in goal is going to have a big game here. The Red Wings have won seven of their last eight games. They will make it eight of nine here. Back the Red Wings.