Minnesota (41-28-7) at NY Islanders (32-32-10)
- When: Apr 4 2025, 7:30 PM
- Where: UBS Arena, Belmont Park, NY, USA
- TV: MSGSN
Wild vs Islanders Preview & Prediction
Moneyline Favorite: NY Islanders -128 | Total: 5.5 Goals
The New York Islanders are slight -128 moneyline favorites as they welcome the Minnesota Wild to UBS Arena on Friday in a game that has contrasting implications for both teams. The total is set at 5.5 goals.
Minnesota Wild Betting Outlook
The Wild (41-28-7, 89 points) may have already punched their ticket to the postseason, but their fight for the Western Conference’s top wild-card slot is still alive and well. Coming into Friday, they were neck-and-neck with the St. Louis Blues—both sporting identical records before St. Louis’ Thursday tilt against Pittsburgh.
That said, Minnesota is in a bit of a funk. Wednesday’s 5-4 overtime loss to the Rangers marked their third straight defeat and fifth loss in six games. The silver lining? They’ve earned at least a point in two of those losses.
Marcus Johansson was a bright spot at Madison Square Garden with a goal and two assists, while Brock Faber and Gustav Nyquist each tallied a goal and an assist. Marco Rossi also lit the lamp, and goalie Filip Gustavsson stopped 34 shots despite the loss.
Coach John Hynes has been pushing a playoff-level mindset during this tough East Coast road trip, but the team knows it must come away with two full points against a struggling Isles team to maintain their positioning.
New York Islanders Betting Outlook
On the other side, the Islanders (32-32-10, 74 points) are watching their playoff hopes dwindle fast. Tuesday’s 4-1 home loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning was their sixth straight defeat, and they now find themselves at least five points out of a wild-card spot with only eight games remaining.
The pressure is mounting, and frustration has spilled over. Forward Anthony Duclair will not be available Friday after stepping away from the team following scathing postgame comments from coach Patrick Roy. Duclair, who has just 11 points and is a minus-15 in 44 games this season, was called out publicly for lack of effort—clearly a team-wide issue during this downward spiral.
If the Isles want any chance to make a late push, they must start with this game—but considering their current form, that seems unlikely.
Prediction & Betting Picks
With the Wild desperate to reclaim momentum and earn a full two points in their playoff push, and the Islanders spiraling both on the ice and off, Minnesota holds the upper hand. Even on the road, the Wild should have the edge, especially with their offense showing signs of life in recent outings.
Pick: Wild Moneyline (+107)
Lean: Over 5.5 Goals (-103) – both teams are struggling defensively, and Minnesota’s attack has been productive.
Score Prediction: Wild 4, Islanders 2
This is a prime bounce-back opportunity for Minnesota to end their losing skid, while New York continues to unravel.
- NHL Odds source: MYBookie Sportsbook
