Minnesota Wild vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Prediction, NHL Odds
The Pittsburgh Penguins return home from their European series to play host to the Minnesota Wild on Friday night.
Other than a bit of jet lag, the Penguins should be well rested after playing just twice in the past 12 days. They have a test in front of them in this one, facing a Wild team that has won three straight.
The NHL odds have the Penguins as the slight favourite to win at -128 on Friday night. The total sits at an even six goals, with puck drop from PPG Paints Arena set for 7 p.m. EST.
Wild vs. Penguins NHL Betting Odds
The Wild had the better record last season, but the Penguins had their number in their season series, winning both of their head-to-heads. The Pens have dominated this matchup over the past few seasons, beating the Wild in seven of their past 10 meetings, dating back to 2020. The Wild were held to just a single goal in both games last season, helping the games hit the UNDER.
Stellar goaltending from the Wild’s tandem has helped them pick up points in six straight games, going 5-0-1, while giving up just 1.67 goals per game. Their hot streak consists of a 2-4 record on the OVER/UNDER, and they covered the spread in five. Minnesota is opening a three-game road trip, looking to improve its spotty 3-4-1 record as the visitors.
Pittsburgh’s super low expectations going into the season have made bettors a ton of money so far, as they are second in the league against the spread at 15-4 on the year. They will be looking for an offensive spark over the next few games. Other than their most recent 4-0 win, they scored just four goals in their three games prior.
Minnesota Wild
The month of October was rough for the Wild, coming out of the opening month of play with just three wins in 12 games. It’s been a different story so far this month, going 7-1-1, pulling themselves into a tie for third in the Central Division.
Wednesday night’s impressive 4-3 shootout win over the Carolina Hurricanes extended their win streak to three and point streak to six games. Jesper Wallstedt stopped 42 shots in the game as well as all three of the Canes’ attempts in the shootout. The 23-year-old netminder has yet to lose in regulation this season, posting a 5-0-2 record, winning each of his last three starts. His numbers are just as impressive, putting up a .926 save percentage and a 2.20 goals against average.
Matt Boldy’s shorthanded marker extended his point streak to five games. Pushing to make the American Olympic team, he’s getting hot at the right time with seven points (4G, 3A) in the last five games and 22 points (11G, 11A) in 22 games this season.
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pens had a successful endeavour overseas, going 1-0-1 with an overtime loss, both games against the Nashville Predators. They gave up just two goals in the series, with rookie goaltender Sergey Murashov posting a shutout in their 4-0 win in the second game. Evgeni Malkin scored in both games, getting his season totals up to five goals and 23 points through 19 games.
After a very hot start, the Pens have cooled off in the month of November. They have won just two of their seven appearances this month, falling to fourth place in the Metropolitan Division. The NHL Futures board still has Pittsburgh as a long shot to make the playoffs, with a +240 payout to make it in. They are currently sitting in the first wildcard position in the East, just two points back of the third-place Islanders, who have played two more games.
Perhaps a trip to Sweden was just what the Penguins needed to get back to their early-season form.
MIN
PIT