Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled then offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups. Today we are looking at the game between the Minnesota Wild vs. Seattle Kraken. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Minnesota Wild vs. Seattle Kraken
Time: 10:00 p.m Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: FDSNNOX, KHN, FDSNWIX, KONG
Tonight the Minnesota Wild (35-22–4) start a short two-game road trip against the Seattle Kraken (26-31-4). The last time these two teams played was October 12. The Kraken beat the Wild in a shootout 5-4. Since then these teams have been going in opposite directions. However, Seattle will hope to beat Minnesota once again Tuesday.
Wild Are Back in The Win Column
After losing their last three games of February the Minnesota Wild put an end to that slide beating the Boston Bruins 1-0 to start March. The first star of the game with a shutout performance was Filip Gustavsson. He has arguably been the Wild’s most valuable player so far this season. Due in part to Gustavsson’s brilliance, the Wild are buying at the deadline. Their most recent acquisition was Gustav Nyquist, who played his first game in his second stint with the Wild in the victory against the Bruins.
Minnesota will look to Nyquist Tuesday to help provide some extra offence with Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek still injured. The Wild’s defence is also battling the injury bug as it was announced that Jonas Brodin will be out week-to-week with a lower body injury before the game against Boston. These are significant injuries to overcome as the Wild push for the playoffs.
Seattle Looking Like Deadline Sellers
After making the playoffs in their second season, it seems like Seattle is once again destined to miss the playoffs. This could make for an uneasy week leading up to the deadline as many Kraken players have been rumoured to be on the move. Names like Yanni Gourde and Brandon Tanev among others have been listed on many trade boards.
Focusing on Tuesday, the big question for the Kraken is can they score a power play goal. In games when they do get at least one they are 13-7-1. Tuesday could be a good night to improve on that record as the Wild rank in the bottom five in penalty killing at only 70.5%. Similar to Minnesota, goaltending has been a strength for Seattle. Joey Daccord has a 2.56 GAA and .914 SV%. He will likely face Gustavsson.
Prediction
These two teams are in very different spots in the standings. Yet, with the Wild’s injuries this game should be a lot closer than the standings would suggest. The quality of goaltending should keep the score low and close. If the Kraken can get that power play goal and outplay Minnesota on special teams than they should have a good chance. The Wild will once again rely on Gustavsson and their young forwards Marco Rossi and Matt Boldy to lead them through their injuries up front.
Prediction: Wild win 3-2
Prop Bets of The Night
Watch for players being held out for roster management reasons this week. This could affect the prop bets of the night. For the game tonight, Boldy has six goals in eight career games against Seattle. He is + 180 as an anytime goal scorer. Minnesota is -102 on the moneyline. Under 5.5 total goals is -105. If you parlay those three bets the odds are +860.
Main Photo: Matt Blewett- Imagn Images
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions, some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
The post NHL Predictions: Mar. 4 Minnesota Wild vs. Seattle Kraken appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.