NHL Wednesday Night Predictions: Kraken vs Wild Clash - Key Wild Card Implications (Mar. 19)
The Minnesota Wild (38-25-5) host the Seattle Kraken (30-34-5) at the Xcel Center, with Minnesota looking to strengthen their wild card position in the Western Conference. Puck drop is at 9:30 p.m. ET.
Hockey players celebrate goal celebration
Current Situation:
- Wild: 6 points ahead of Canucks for first wild card spot
- Kraken: 10 points out of last playoff spot
- Minnesota's record: 16-15-2 at home
- Seattle playing second game of back-to-back after 6-2 win vs Chicago
Key Team Stats:
- Wild: 26th in NHL goals scored, strong even-strength defense, 30th ranked penalty kill
- Kraken: Chandler Stevenson on 6-game point streak
- Wild's key players: Matt Boldy and Marco Rossi (21 goals each)
- Goaltending: Filip Gustavsson (26 wins), Marc Andre Fleury (.904 save percentage)
Recent Head-to-Head:
- Wild won 5 of last 7 meetings
- Last matchup: Minnesota won 4-3 on March 4
- Previous meeting: Seattle won 5-4 in October shootout
- Last 4 meetings hit the over
Best Available Odds:
- Minnesota: -1.5 goals (BetMGM)
- Seattle: +150 moneyline (BetMGM)
- Minnesota: -175 moneyline (DraftKings)
- Total: 5.5 goals
Recommended Picks:
- Minnesota -1.5 (BetMGM)
- Over 5.5 (BetMGM)
Reasoning: Minnesota has more to play for and faces a tired Seattle team. While both teams struggle offensively, Seattle's back-to-back situation could lead to defensive lapses and more scoring opportunities for the Wild.
That's 💯 goals in a Wild sweater for Zuccy!!! pic.twitter.com/6cGt3hYGYv
The @SeattleKraken poured it on in the second period — scoring four goals en route to a 5-2 lead after two periods of play! 🦑 pic.twitter.com/QEnqG0lWqJ