New Jersey (38-29-7) at Minnesota (41-27-5)
- When: Mar 29 2025, 6:00 PM
- Where: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN, USA
- TV: MSGSN
Minnesota Wild vs. New Jersey Devils Preview & Prediction
Moneyline Favorite: Minnesota -120 | Total: 5.5 Goals
The Minnesota Wild are eyeing another crucial win in their playoff push as they host the New Jersey Devils on Saturday night in Saint Paul. While key players Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek are nearing a return from injury, neither will suit up for this pivotal matchup. Still, Minnesota is in solid form and has a chance to continue climbing the standings in the Western Conference.
Minnesota Wild Outlook
The Wild (41-27-5) are riding high after a solid 4-2 victory over the Washington Capitals on Thursday. Currently holding a wild-card spot, Minnesota understands there’s no room for letdowns. Despite missing two of their top skaters, the depth has held up thanks to gritty contributions from veterans like Marcus Foligno and rock-solid defensive play.
Goaltender Filip Gustavsson is expected to get the start. He’s been dependable all season, logging a 29-16-4 record with a 2.46 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage. He’s also had success against New Jersey, going 2-1-0 with a .930 save percentage in three career appearances.
The Wild are embracing the challenge ahead. Defenseman Jonas Brodin summed it up: “We’ve just got to keep grinding. Take it one day and one game at a time.”
New Jersey Devils Outlook
The Devils (38-29-7) are clinging to their playoff hopes in the East, but recent form is concerning. Their 4-0 shutout loss to Winnipeg on Friday night dropped them to 1-3-1 over their past five games. Offense has been the biggest issue, and head coach Sheldon Keefe is urging his group to find more consistent scoring.
Forward Dawson Mercer is expected to play despite taking a high stick to the face in the loss. The team is likely to go with Jacob Markstrom in goal after Jake Allen got the nod Friday. Markstrom is 23-14-6 on the season with a 2.51 GAA and a .900 save percentage. He’s been sharp against Minnesota in his career, going 7-3-2 with a 2.24 GAA.
Still, the Devils are running thin on margin for error. With several teams breathing down their necks in the East, every game feels like a must-win.
Betting Trends & Prediction
Minnesota is 7-3 in its last 10 games.
The Under has hit in 5 of Minnesota’s last 6 home games.
New Jersey is 2-5 in its last 7 road games.
Prediction: The Wild are more rested, have home-ice advantage, and Gustavsson has been stellar between the pipes. The Devils are sputtering offensively and playing the second game of a back-to-back, which doesn’t help their already thin offensive depth.
Score Prediction: Wild 3, Devils 2
Best Bets:
Wild Moneyline (-120)
Under 5.5 Total Goals
Gustavsson Over 27.5 Saves
Matt Boldy Anytime Goal Scorer
Minnesota has the edge in both form and rest. Expect them to grind out a low-scoring, playoff-style win.
- NHL Odds source: MYBookie Sportsbook
