Minnesota (43-29-7) at Calgary (37-27-14)
- When: Apr 11 2025, 10:00 PM
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, AB, CAN
- TV: FDSNX
Wild vs Flames Preview & Prediction
Minnesota Moneyline -120 | Total: 5.5
The Minnesota Wild head into Friday night’s clash against the Calgary Flames with a postseason berth within reach, and MYBookie oddsmakers have them narrowly favored at -120 on the moneyline. The total is set at 5.5 goals, hinting at a potentially tight, playoff-intensity contest.
Minnesota Wild Outlook
The Wild (43-29-7, 93 points) are riding a wave of momentum after a wild 8-7 overtime victory against San Jose. While the final score resembled something more out of a football game, the real headline was the return of superstars Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek. Kaprizov, in his first game back after missing 28 contests, posted two goals including the overtime winner. Eriksson Ek was even more impressive, lighting the lamp four times for a new career-high.
Minnesota currently holds the top wild-card spot in the Western Conference, tied with the St. Louis Blues but with a game in hand. Despite their recent defensive lapses — they blew a three-goal lead late to San Jose — the Wild are surging at the right time, winning back-to-back games after a 1-5-1 skid.
While defensive tightening is clearly needed, the offense is firing on all cylinders. If the top line can continue delivering and the blue line regroups, Minnesota should not only lock up a playoff spot but possibly secure a favorable seed. Expect a more focused effort defensively in this key divisional matchup.
Calgary Flames Outlook
The Flames (37-27-14, 88 points) return home in desperation mode after a brutal 4-3 overtime loss to Anaheim. Calgary led 3-1 with under five minutes left before surrendering two quick goals and falling in OT. That collapse may have been the final blow to their already fading playoff hopes.
Now trailing both Minnesota and St. Louis by five points with just four games left, the Flames are in must-win territory. They’ve won both previous meetings with the Wild this season but will need a nearly flawless finish and outside help to sneak into the postseason.
The question for Calgary is whether they can emotionally bounce back after letting a critical game slip away. The loss to the Ducks exposed late-game execution issues — something that has plagued this team throughout the season. That said, they’ll be playing with urgency and have home ice, where they’ve been more stable.
Betting Prediction
Minnesota has been clicking offensively with their stars back and should be able to exploit Calgary’s defensive vulnerabilities. However, the Wild must shore up their own end to avoid another letdown. Calgary, playing with their season on the line, will bring energy, but the question is whether it will be enough to outmatch a surging Minnesota squad.
Score Prediction: Wild 4, Flames 2
Best Bet: Minnesota ML (-120)
Over/Under: Lean toward the Over 5.5 (-115), given both teams’ recent defensive inconsistencies.
- NHL Odds source: MYBookie Sportsbook
