In this article, we will formulate a Wild vs Rangers prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, March 13th 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 37-24-4 this year after they defeated Colorado in a shootout by a score of 2-1 in their last game. Minnesota allowed Colorado to tie the game late in the third period, but they were able to rally for the shootout win. The Wild were outshot by a total of 28-23, won 46.4% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Minnesota got their lone goal from Zuccarello, while Gustavsson stopped 27 out of 28 shots in the game.
Prior to that win, the Wild lost to the Penguins by a score of 3-1 and the Canucks by a score of 3-1. Minnesota has won three of their last five games and they are currently fourth in the Central standings with 78 points. Minnesota has scored 2.74 goals per game and they have allowed 2.83 goals against per game, while also going 20% on the power play and 70.3% on the penalty kill this season. Matt Boldy has led Minnesota with 21 goals, 34 assists, and 228 shots on goal, while Marco Rossi has added 21 goals, 32 assists, and 112 shots on goal. Filip Gustavsson is 25-14-3 with a 2.56 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage this year.
New York Rangers Betting Preview
The New York Rangers are 31-28-6 this season after they lost to Winnipeg by a score of 2-1 in their last game. New York tied the game at one in the first period, but they couldn’t find any more offense in the game for the loss. The Rangers were outshot by a total of 24-22, won 52.6% of the face-offs, and went 1-3 on the power play in the game. New York got their lone goal from Zibanejad, while Shesterkin stopped 22 out of 24 shots in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Rangers lost to the Blue Jackets by a score of 7-3 and the Senators by a score of 4-3. New York has lost four games in a row and they are currently fifth in the Metro standings with 68 points. New York has scored 3.00 goals per game and they have allowed 3.06 goals against per game, while also going 19.4% on the power play and 82.9% on the penalty kill this season. Artemi Panarin has led New York with 28 goals, 40 assists, and 196 shots on goal, while Mika Zibanejad has added 15 goals, 33 assists, and 147 shots on goal. Igor Shesterkin is 21-22-4 with a 2.87 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage this year.
Why the Wild will beat the Rangers
- The Wild have won each of their last seven night games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Rangers have lost each of their last four games.
- The Wild have covered the puck line in 12 of their last 13 night games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Wild have won the first period in eight of their last 10 night games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
Why the Rangers will beat the Wild
- The Wild have lost each of their last four night games at Xcel Energy Center after coming off a shootout.
- The Rangers have won six of their last seven games following a road loss.
- The Rangers have covered the puck line in each of their last six night games against Central Division opponents.
- The Wild have failed to cover the puck line in seven of their last eight home games after coming off overtime.
- The Wild have lost the third period in each of their last four games when trailing after the second period.
Total Goals Facts
- Eight of the Rangers’ last nine road games have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Each of the last five games between the Rangers and Wild at Xcel Energy Center have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3’ market has hit in each of the Wild’s last 10 games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Rangers’ last seven games at Xcel Energy Center.
Minnesota Wild Player Prop Facts
- Jonas Brodin has recorded at least one point in each of his last 11 home appearances against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- Jonas Brodin has recorded an assist in nine of his last 10 home appearances against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- Kirill Kaprizov has scored at least one goal in three of his last four appearances against Metropolitan Division opponents.
New York Rangers Player Prop Facts
- Mika Zibanejad has recorded at least one point in each of the Rangers’ last eight road games.
- Adam Fox has recorded an assist in each of his last four appearances after playing less than 20 minutes in the Rangers’ last game.
- Artemi Panarin has scored a goal in five of the Rangers’ last six games.
Wild vs Rangers Prediction
New York comes into this contest trying to snap a four-game losing streak, but they will be back on the road for this game. The Rangers are 15-14-3 on the road this year, while the Wild are 15-14-1 at home. Minnesota has been inconsistent over the last two months and they have scored two goals or fewer in seven of their last eight games. We have seen the Rangers struggle on defense during this losing streak, but I don’t think Minnesota will be able to take advantage of those mistakes. Take the under in this game.