Game Overview

The Minnesota Wild (22-11-4) host the Nashville Predators (11-19-7) on December 31, 2024, at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The Wild are looking to bounce back from a tough loss to Ottawa, while the struggling Predators continue to face challenges on the road. 

Betting Odds

Minnesota enters this game as the favorite, and their consistent home performances make them a strong pick to secure the victory.

Team Analysis

Minnesota Wild

The Wild have been solid this season, holding a 22-11-4 record and sitting second in the Central Division. Kirill Kaprizov leads the charge offensively with 50 points (23 goals, 27 assists), while goaltender Filip Gustavsson has been reliable with a 2.26 GAA and a .923 save percentage.

While they stumbled in their most recent outing against the Senators, the Wild have performed well against weaker opponents, especially at home. Their defense has allowed an average of just 2.68 goals per game, making them a tough team to break down.

Nashville Predators

The Predators have struggled mightily, especially on the road, where they hold a dismal 3-12-4 record. Filip Forsberg is the lone bright spot for Nashville, leading the team with 30 points (9 goals, 21 assists). However, the team has faced consistent defensive issues, allowing 3.17 goals per game.

Goaltender Juuse Saros has been overworked, appearing in 30 games with a .903 save percentage. Without significant support on both ends of the ice, Nashville faces an uphill battle in this matchup.

Recent Performance

Minnesota Wild

• 12/29/24: Lost to Ottawa 3-1
• 12/27/24: Defeated Dallas 3-2 (OT)
• 12/23/24: Defeated Chicago 4-3
• 12/21/24: Lost to Winnipeg 5-0
• 12/20/24: Lost to Utah 2-1

Nashville Predators

• 12/27/24: Lost to St. Louis 7-4
• 12/23/24: Defeated Carolina 5-2
• 12/21/24: Defeated Los Angeles 3-2 (OT)
• 12/19/24: Lost to Pittsburgh 5-4 (OT)
• 12/17/24: Defeated New York 2-0

Head-to-Head Matchup

In their first meeting this season on November 30, the Wild narrowly defeated the Predators 3-2 in overtime. Minnesota’s ability to capitalize on key opportunities was the difference in that game, and their superior depth gives them an edge heading into this matchup.

Betting Trends

• Minnesota is 22-15 ATS this season, including 9-9 ATS at home.
• The under has hit in three of Minnesota’s last five games.
• Nashville is 12-25 ATS this season, including 6-13 ATS on the road.
• The over has hit in four of Nashville’s last six games.
• Minnesota is 7-3 in its last 10 games against Nashville.

Prediction