Wild vs Predators | NHL Odds, Preview, Prediction

Wild vs. Predators Odds

The Predators came close, but won't make the playoffs. Meanwhile, Minnesota is locked into the third seed in the Central Division. This is a tricky contest to predict given neither team has anything significant left to play for. So, from a betting perspective, what's the best way to approach Wild vs. Predators?

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Minnesota Wild

The Wild can thank goaltender Filip Gustavsson for doing his part in punching their playoff ticket. He's posted a 20-9-6 record, a 2.06 GAA and a .933 save percentage in 38 contests this season. Minnesota might decide to rest him Thursday, but he already took Tuesday's 3-1 loss to Winnipeg off, so there's a good chance Nashville will have the misfortune of dealing with him.

At least Nashville can take some solace in the likelihood that Minnesota will be far less intimidating up front. The Wild aren't a great offensive team to begin with — they rank 24th with 2.91 goals per game in 2022-23 — and might be missing some key forwards Thursday. Joel Eriksson Ek (lower body) and Ryan Hartman (suspension) won't be in the lineup while Marcus Johansson (upper body), Sam Steel (illness) and Oskar Sundqvist (lower body) are all questionable. Given that the Wild are better served by resting anyone who isn't 100%, it wouldn't be surprising if all of those forwards miss Thursday's contest.

On that note, it will be interesting to see what Minnesota does with Kirill Kaprizov. He's missed 14 of the Wild's past 16 games because of injury troubles, but he was in the lineup Tuesday. Given his recent absences, he doesn't necessarily need rest, but if there are any lingering health issues, Minnesota might opt to scratch him. Then there's 35-year-old Mats Zuccarello. He's excelled this season with 22 goals and 67 points in 78 contests, putting him behind only Kaprizov (75 points) in the Wild's scoring race, but given his age, he's a logical player to rest Thursday.

The Wild's forward core is full of key X-Factors, but it's fair to believe Minnesota won't be dressing anything close to its optimal lineup.

Nashville Predators

By contrast, the Predators don't really have any reason to rest players. They're going to be on vacation soon anyway, so they might as well give Thursday's contest everything they have.

At least that's the idea.

Injuries might complicate that. Forwards Matt Duchene (hand), Filip Forsberg (upper body) and defenseman Roman Josi (upper body) are all questionable. Additionally, Ryan Johansen (leg) won't play. That's basically the Predators' four core skaters, so Minnesota isn't the only team likely to be without top talent.

At least Juuse Saros is still healthy and probable to play between the pipes Thursday. He's posted a 32-23-7 record, a 2.69 GAA and a .919 save percentage in 63 contests this season. He's also been particularly effective recently, saving 111 of 115 shots over his past three starts. He was nearly able to push the Predators into the playoffs and should cause trouble for Minnesota, especially with its forward group likely depleted.

One player who should be healthy and is worth keeping an eye on is Cody Glass. He's set to become a restricted free agent this summer and the Predators' injuries have opened the door for him to play an expanded role. He registered an assist while logging 23:25 of ice time Monday. While he's far from an ideal first-line center, he should be one of the most motivated players on either team as he looks to show his worth.

Wild vs. Predators Pick

With all the key forwards likely to miss this contest, it will probably be a low-scoring affair, but the oddsmakers have anticipated that by setting the Over/Under at 5.5 goals. In reflection of the reality that Minnesota will probably rest some players, you will get roughly the same potential payout by taking either the Wild or Predators on the moneyline. Under normal circumstances, Minnesota would be the clear favorite in this game.

So, how should we proceed when we don't even have a good idea of what each team's roster will look like? It's a tough call, but I'm going to recommend grabbing Nashville on the moneyline. The Wild are the better team on paper, but Minnesota has every reason to look ahead. Nashville doesn't and may as well leave everything out on the ice. That gap in motivation is what I'm betting on to be the difference.

Pick: Predators Moneyline | Play to -120

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