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Minnesota Wild vs Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Preview
The Minnesota Wild return home searching for results, not moral victories. After back-to-back overtime losses, they’ll host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night at 8 PM ET in Saint Paul. The matchup streams on ESPN+.
Minnesota sits 3-6-3, seventh in the Central Division. The Penguins enter 7-3-2 and second in the Metropolitan, earning points in seven straight games. Penguins goaltender Arturs Silovs is 3-1-2 with a .919 save percentage, while Tristan Jarry is 4-1-0 with a .916 mark. Filip Gustavsson should start for Minnesota, carrying a 3.42 GAA and .889 save percentage.
Coach John Hynes wants more direct play and pressure near the crease. He saw progress in recent games, but the Wild need that same effort against a confident Penguins squad. For more NHL breakdowns, visit our full NHL Previews
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Line Movement and Odds
According to the live NHL Odds board, Minnesota opened around -175 and has drifted closer to -165. Pittsburgh’s line improved slightly to +145. The total moved from 6.5 to 6.0 goals, with bettors leaning Over.
Early sharp money hit Minnesota after its close losses, while public money has shown interest in the Penguins puckline. The Wild are 1-4 straight up in their last five, and Pittsburgh has covered eight of its last nine pucklines.
Matchup Breakdown
Minnesota’s attack has flashed life, averaging 33 shots per game and leading the league with 14 power-play goals. Kirill Kaprizov (15 points) drives the offense, supported by Matt Boldy and Marco Rossi. The Wild rank among the top 10 in hits and blocks but need more stability in their own zone.
Pittsburgh rides balanced scoring and crisp puck movement. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have combined for 15 goals, and Erik Karlsson continues to push transition pace. The Penguins allow 2.55 goals per game, thanks to strong goaltending and improved defensive structure.
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Injuries and Conditions
Minnesota Wild
- Zach Bogosian (D) – Lower Body (out)
- Cameron Butler (RW) – Undisclosed (out)
- Stevie Leskovar (D) – Wrist (out)
- Nico Sturm (C) – Undisclosed (out)
- Mats Zuccarello (RW) – Lower Body (out)
Pittsburgh Penguins
- Joel Blomqvist (G) – Lower Body (out)
- Kevin Hayes (RW) – Upper Body (out)
- Tanner Howe (LW) – Undisclosed (out)
- Caleb Jones (D) – Lower Body (out)
- Rutger McGroarty (C) – Upper Body (out)
- Emil Pieniniemi (D) – Suspension (out)
- Rickard Rakell (LW) – Hand (out)
- Jack St. Ivany (D) – Lower Body (out)
Best Bets and Prediction
Minnesota is 0-5-1 when trailing after two periods and has struggled closing games. Pittsburgh’s depth and recent form make this a close call, but home ice gives Minnesota a small edge.
Projected Score: Wild 4, Penguins 3
Best Bet: Wild Moneyline (-165)
Secondary Lean: Over 6.0 Goals
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