In this article, we will formulate a Wild vs Kings prediction for this NHL game on Monday, March 17th 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 37-25-5 this year after they lost to St. Louis by a score of 5-1 in their last game. Minnesota cut the deficit to 3-1 in the second period, but they allowed two more goals in the third in the loss. The Wild were outshot by a total of 27-18, won 39.2% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Minnesota got their lone goal from Middleton, while Gustavsson stopped 22 out of 26 shots in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Wild lost to the Rangers by a score of 3-2 but did beat the Avalanche by a score of 2-1 before that. Minnesota has lost four of their last five games and they are currently fourth in the Central standings with 79 points. Minnesota has scored 2.70 goals per game and they have allowed 2.87 goals against per game, while also going 20.6% on the power play and 71.2% on the penalty kill this season. Matt Boldy has led Minnesota with 21 goals, 34 assists, and 230 shots on goal, while Marco Rossi has added 21 goals, 32 assists, and 114 shots on goal. Filip Gustavsson is 25-15-4 with a 2.60 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage this year.
Los Angeles Kings Betting Preview
The Los Angeles Kings are 36-20-9 this season after they defeated Nashville in overtime by a score of 1-0 in their last game. Los Angeles had trouble generating chances in regulation, but they scored with about two minutes left in overtime for the win. The Kings were outshot by a total of 24-21, won 54.5% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. Los Angeles got their lone goal from Byfield, while Kuemper stopped all 24 shots that he faced in the win.
Prior to that game, the Kings defeated the Capitals by a score of 3-0 and the Islanders by a score of 4-1. Los Angeles has won five games in a row and they are currently battling with Edmonton for second in the Pacific standings with 81 points. Los Angeles has scored 2.83 goals per game and they have allowed 2.55 goals against per game, while also going 15.2% on the power play and 82.4% on the penalty kill this season. Adrian Kempe has led Los Angeles with 27 goals, 27 assists, and 191 shots on goal, while Anze Kopitar has added 16 goals, 37 assists, and 84 shots on goal. Darcy Kuemper is 22-8-7 with a 2.17 goals against average and a .919 save percentage this season. The Kings will play the Blackhawks, Hurricanes, and Bruins next.
Why the Kings will beat the Wild
- The Wild have lost eight of their last nine home games against Pacific Division opponents.
- The Kings have won each of their last five games.
- The Wild have failed to cover the puck line in seven of their last eight home games against Pacific Division opponents.
- The Kings have covered the puck line in each of their last five night games at Xcel Energy Center.
- The Wild have lost the third period in each of their last eight games as underdogs against opponents on a winning streak.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Kings’ last four games as favorites following a win has gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Six of the Wild’s last seven games as underdogs against opponents on a winning streak have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Kings’ last nine road games against opponents on a losing streak.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2’ market has hit in each of the Wild’s last seven home games against Pacific Division opponents.
Minnesota Wild Player Prop Facts
- Kirill Kaprizov has recorded at least one point in seven of the Wild’s last eight home games against the Kings.
- Matthew Boldy has recorded an assist in each of the Wild’s last four games against Pacific Division opponents.
- Matthew Boldy has scored at least one goal in each of the Wild’s last six Monday games against Pacific Division opponents.
Los Angeles Kings Player Prop Facts
- Quinton Byfield has recorded a point in each of the Kings’ last six games.
- Anze Kopitar has recorded at least one assist in six of the Kings’ last seven games as favorites against the Wild.
- Quinton Byfield has scored a goal in each of the Kings’ last six games.
- Quinton Byfield has scored the last goal in three of the Kings’ last four games as favorites.
Wild vs Kings Prediction
Los Angeles comes into this matchup looking for their sixth straight win, but they have had struggles on the road. The Kings are 13-17-5 on the road this year, while the Wild are 15-15-2 at home. Minnesota has lost four of their last five games and they have scored two goals or fewer in five straight. The Wild are really struggling right now, but they continue to hold a wild card spot in the West. This is an interesting matchup with LA being pretty bad on the road, but I will take their defense against this low-scoring Minnesota team. Take the Kings here.