Minnesota Wild vs Nashville Predators Picks and Predictions November 30th 2024

Minnesota Wild vs Nashville Predators November 30th 2024

Don’t miss out on the NHL showdown between the Predators and Wild. The game is starting at 8:00 ET on ESPN+, and it’s hosted by the Wild at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN. Get ready to place your bets! The over/under goal line for this matchup is currently at 5.5 goals, and the Wild are favored by -1.5 vs. the Predators.

Nashville vs. Minnesota Key Information

• Teams: Predators at Wild
• Where: Xcel Energy Center St. Paul
• Date: Saturday, November 30th
• Betting Odds MIN -146 | NAS +124 O/U 5.5

The Predators Can Win If…

The Predators improved to 7-12-5 with a 5-2 road win over the Avalanche. Nashville covered the puck line as -1.5 goal favorites, and the total of 6.5 goals was surpassed with the game’s 7 combined goals.

Nashville fell behind 1-0 in the second period, but five different players scored to help the Predators rally. Two of Nashville’s goals came with an empty net.

Nashville’s offense came alive in their 5-2 win over Colorado, with two empty-netters and two power-play goals. After a scoreless first period, Steven Stamkos netted his second goal of the season, while Colton Sissons followed with his first. Roman Josi added his first goal of the season, and Filip Forsberg scored his seventh on an empty net.

Gustav Nyquist, who scored his fourth goal, also picked up his fourth assist on Forsberg’s empty-netter. The Predators took 25 shots on goal and recorded 15 giveaways.

Defensively, the Predators will look to improve after allowing the first goal just 2:54 into the second period and another late in the third. Juuse Saros made 29 saves with a 93.5% save percentage, while the defense added 4 takeaways and 23 hits.

• Across Nashville’s last three regular season games, their record sits at 0-3. In these matchups, they ended with an puck line record of 0-3 and an over-under mark of 1-2.
• Nashville has put together a record of 3-7 in their last ten games (regular season). This includes going 5-5 vs. the puck line along with an over-under mark of 2-8.

The Wild Can Win If…

With a 2-1 overtime win against the Maple Leafs, the Wild improved to 15-4-4. Minnesota was favored on the puck line, but didn’t cover. The total was set at 6 goals, and the combined score of 3 fell well short of that mark.

Ryan Hartman and Matt Boldy each found the net for the Wild. Hartman scored first at 9:41 in the opening period, but the Maple Leafs tied it up with just 52 seconds left in the first. Boldy’s goal at 2:14 in overtime secured the win for Minnesota.

Ryan Hartman opened the scoring for the Wild with his third goal of the season, 9:41 into the first period. Matt Boldy secured the overtime win with his sixth goal, 2:14 into the extra period.

Jared Spurgeon contributed with two assists, bringing his season total to three. Marco Rossi added his seventh assist on Boldy’s game-winner. The Wild took 33 shots on goal and had 15 giveaways.

Defensively, the Wild will look to build on their last performance, where they allowed just one goal to Toronto. Filip Gustavsson recorded 27 saves with a 96.4% save percentage, and Minnesota’s defense added 7 takeaways and 22 hits. The only goal they allowed came on a Maple Leafs power play with 52 seconds left in the first period.

• Minnesota has put together a record of 2-1 over their past three games. However, they have only gone 0-3 vs. the puck line over this stretch. Their over-under record in these three games was 0-3.
• Through their last ten regular season contests, Minnesota has a record of 6-4. This includes going 5-5 vs. the puck line along with an over-under mark of 4-6.

The Lean

When making a moneyline pick, my choice is the Wild to come out with a win against the Predators while playing at home. Considering the moneyline odds at -146, I’m placing my bet on the Wild to win outright.

If you’re looking for my recommendation on the puck line, I suggest taking the Predators to cover. Even if the Wild manage to win outright, this game is expected to remain competitive, and the Predators should cover the puck line.

For those looking at the over/under line set at 5.5 goals, our expectation is that this game will surpass that mark, and we suggest making a bet on the over.

NHL Picks & Predictions from The Best Expert Hockey Handicappers

Predators Look to Find Offense Against the Wild in High-Stakes Matchup

The Minnesota Wild will aim to extend their winning streak to three games as they host the Nashville Predators on Saturday in St. Paul, Minnesota. Both teams are coming off tightly contested games on Friday and face the challenge of performing on short rest. While the Wild are riding the wave of recent success, the Predators are searching for answers to their offensive struggles.

Minnesota Wild Riding High on Momentum

The Wild secured a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday, with captain Jared Spurgeon leading the charge with two goals. Marco Rossi added another as Minnesota clinched its second consecutive win. This victory was built on the team’s commitment to straightforward, effective hockey.

“Straight lines and simple hockey, that works for us,” Spurgeon said postgame, underscoring the team’s disciplined approach.

Spurgeon’s return to form has been a critical factor in the Wild’s resurgence. After undergoing hip and back surgeries last season and missing six games in October, he has re-established himself as both a leader and a playmaker.

“Just having him around, having his leadership presence, it’s a night-and-day different feel as a group of guys,” said Wild defenseman Brock Faber. “His off-ice characteristics and on-ice contributions are just helping us a whole lot.”

Nashville Predators Struggling to Find Spark

The Predators fell short in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday, despite a valiant effort from captain Roman Josi, who scored both Nashville goals. The team has now dropped two straight games in overtime, highlighting a troubling trend in their recent play.

Nashville head coach Andrew Brunette was candid about the team’s offensive woes.

“Nobody’s really feeling it,” Brunette said. “If you look up and down our roster, we’re having a hard time scoring. So, nobody’s really feeling great about their game…we have to try to find a way to feel a little better about our game.”

The Predators have been outscored 11-6 in their last three games, and their inability to generate consistent scoring has become a pressing concern. Josi echoed his coach’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for persistence.

“It’s hard to win in this league when you score two goals a game, and we’re working on it,” Josi said. “We’ve got a ton of talent in here that can put the puck in the net…the only thing we can do is press down, keep working, and keep trying.”

Goaltending Matchup Could Be Pivotal

Goaltender selection will play a critical role in the outcome of Saturday’s game. The Wild are expected to start Filip Gustavsson, who has been stellar this season with a 10-4-3 record, a 2.06 goals-against average (GAA), and a .929 save percentage. In his career against Nashville, however, Gustavsson has a less favorable 2-2-1 record with a 3.39 GAA.

The Predators may turn to Scott Wedgewood, as Juuse Saros started on Friday. Wedgewood has had a rocky season with a 1-2-1 record, a 3.69 GAA, and an .878 save percentage. However, a win against the Wild would mark the 50th victory of his career—a potential milestone that could add extra motivation.

Key Storylines to Watch

1. Can the Wild Maintain Momentum? With Spurgeon’s leadership and a solid defensive structure, Minnesota has been building confidence. A third consecutive win could solidify their standing in the league.
2. Will the Predators Find Their Offense? Roman Josi and the Predators’ offense need to step up against a Wild team that has proven effective at stifling opponents.
3. Impact of Back-to-Back Games: Both teams are playing on short rest, which may lead to fatigue and unexpected opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Saturday’s game promises to be a clash of contrasting narratives. The Wild are brimming with confidence and chemistry, while the Predators are fighting to rediscover their rhythm. For Minnesota, simplicity has been the key to success, while Nashville hopes persistence will unlock its offensive potential.

Hockey fans can expect a competitive matchup as these two Central Division rivals face off in what could be a crucial game for both teams’ momentum.