In this article, we will formulate a Wild vs Penguins prediction for this NHL game on Sunday, March 9th 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 36-23-4 this year after they lost to Vancouver by a score of 3-1 in their last game. Minnesota tied the game at one in the third period, but they allowed two goals late in the third for the loss. The Wild outshot Vancouver by a total of 38-20, won 62.5% of the face-offs, and went 1-2 on the power play in the game. Minnesota got their lone goal from Faber, while Gustavsson stopped 17 out of 19 shots in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Wild defeated the Kraken by a score of 4-3 and the Bruins by a score of 1-0. Minnesota has lost four of their last six games and they are currently fourth in the Central standings with 76 points. Minnesota has scored 2.79 goals per game and they have allowed 2.86 goals against per game, while also going 20.3% on the power play and 70.2% on the penalty kill this season. Matt Boldy has led Minnesota with 21 goals, 33 assists, and 217 shots on goal, while Marco Rossi has added 21 goals, 31 assists, and 107 shots on goal this year. Marc-Andre Fleury is 12-7-1 with a 2.76 goals against average and a .904 save percentage this season.
Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Penguins are 24-31-10 this season after they lost to Vegas by a score of 4-0 in their last game. Pittsburgh allowed one goal in the first period, one in the second, and two in the third in the shutout loss. The Penguins were outshot by a total of 27-22, won 55.8% of the face-offs, and went 0-0 on the power play in the game. Pittsburgh was led by Rust, who had five shots on goal, while Nedeljkovic stopped 23 out of 27 shots in the loss.
Prior to being shutout, the Penguins lost to the Avalanche by a score of 4-1 and the Maple Leafs by a score of 6-5. Pittsburgh has lost eight of their last nine games and they are currently last in the Metro standings with 58 points. Pittsburgh has scored 2.82 goals per game and they have allowed 3.63 goals against per game, while also going 23.9% on the power play and 78.7% on the penalty kill this season. Sidney Crosby has led Pittsburgh with 19 goals, 47 assists, and 178 shots on goal, while Rickard Rakell has added 29 goals, 24 assists, and 168 shots on goal. Alex Nedeljkovic is 12-14-5 with a 3.17 goals against average and an .891 save percentage this year.
Why the Wild will beat the Penguins
- The Wild have won each of their last eight day games at Xcel Energy Center against opponents on a losing streak.
- The Penguins have lost each of their last seven day games.
- The Wild have covered the puck line in each of their last six games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Penguins have failed to cover the puck line in seven of their last eight games.
- The home team has won the third period in each of the Penguins’ last six games.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Wild’s last six games against the Penguins following a road loss have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Seven of the Penguins’ last eight road games have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3’ market has hit in each of the Wild’s last 14 games as favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Penguins’ last four day games.
Minnesota Wild Player Prop Facts
- Kirill Kaprizov has recorded at least one point in each of his last 11 appearances in day games.
- Joel Eriksson Ek has scored at least one goal in each of his last four appearances with the Wild as home favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- Jonas Brodin has recorded an assist in each of the Wild’s last six games as home favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.
Pittsburgh Penguins Player Prop Facts
- Sidney Crosby has recorded at least one point in eight of his last nine appearances against the Wild.
- Rickard Rakell has scored the first goal in three of his last four appearances with his team as a road underdog against the Wild.
- Sidney Crosby has scored at least one goal in four of the Penguins’ last five games at Xcel Energy Center.
- Sidney Crosby has recorded at least one assist in each of the Penguins’ last four games against Central Division opponents.
Wild vs Penguins Prediction
Pittsburgh limps into this matchup after losing eight of their last nine games and they will look to snap a four-game losing streak here. The Penguins are 10-18-5 on the road this year, while the Wild are 14-13-1 at home. Minnesota hasn’t been much better than Pittsburgh over the last two weeks, but they are the better team by a wide margin when looking at the metrics. The Wild have been pretty bad on special teams this season, but their defense has been solid, as they are allowing just 2.86 goals per game. Neither side really jumps out to me in this game, so I will fade the Penguins and their terrible road record. Take Minnesota here.