Los Angeles (36-20-9) at Minnesota (37-25-5)
- When: Mar 17 2025, 8:00 PM
- Where: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN, USA
- TV: FDSN
Los Angeles Kings vs. Minnesota Wild: Betting Preview and Prediction
Los Angeles (-147) | Total: 5.5
Los Angeles Kings: Riding a Hot Streak and Dominating on Defense
The Kings are surging, entering this matchup riding a five-game winning streak, marking the third time this season they’ve won at least five straight. Quinton Byfield has been leading the charge offensively, finding the net in six straight games, including a clutch overtime winner against Nashville in a 1-0 shutout on Saturday.
Byfield’s offensive explosion has been a game-changer, making him the fourth player in Kings history (age 22 or younger) to score in six or more consecutive games. He now boasts 17 goals and 23 assists on the season.
Los Angeles remains one of the top defensive teams in the NHL, allowing just 2.55 goals per game, the second-best mark in the league. Darcy Kuemper has been a brick wall between the pipes, securing four wins in this five-game stretch, including back-to-back shutouts. Kuemper now ranks second in the NHL in GAA (2.16) and save percentage (.918) while tying for third in shutouts (4).
Given their defensive dominance and strong offensive contributions from Byfield, Los Angeles has a significant edge heading into this matchup.
Minnesota Wild: Struggling Offensively and Lacking Firepower
Minnesota, on the other hand, has been trending in the wrong direction. The Wild have just one win in their last five games (1-3-1) and have managed a mere seven goals in that span. Kirill Kaprizov’s absence has been a massive blow, as the star forward has missed 30 games this season due to a lower-body injury. Despite his extended time off the ice, he still leads the team in goals (23) and ranks third in points (52).
Without Kaprizov, the Wild’s offense has collapsed, dropping to sixth-worst in the NHL with an average of just 2.7 goals per game. Matt Boldy (21 goals) and Marco Rossi (21 goals) have struggled to pick up the slack, with Boldy failing to score since Feb. 22 and Rossi goalless since Feb. 25.
Minnesota still holds the top wild-card spot in the Western Conference, sitting six points ahead of Vancouver, but their recent slump raises concerns about their ability to hold onto that position.
Coach John Hynes remains confident, but given the lack of production and the Kings’ elite defense, the Wild could be in for another tough night.
Betting Prediction: Kings Stay Hot and Extend Streak
Los Angeles is clicking at both ends of the ice, with Byfield providing offensive consistency and Kuemper shutting down opponents. Minnesota, meanwhile, is struggling to score and missing their most dangerous offensive weapon in Kaprizov.
Expect the Kings’ defense to stifle Minnesota’s attack, while Byfield and company do enough offensively to secure another win on the road.
Final Score Prediction: Kings 3, Wild 1
Best Bet: Kings ML (-147)
Lean: Under 5.5 (-138)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
