Minnesota Wild vs
St. Louis BluesPredictions & Preview

Central Division Rivals Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues Ready to Face Off in Divisional Showdown

The Minnesota Wild and the St. Louis Blues are gearing up for a Central Division showdown on October 15th at 7:30 PM ET at Enterprise Center. With Minnesota standing fifth in the division with a 1-0-2 record and St. Louis in fourth place with a 2-1-0 record, both teams are eager to secure a win against a divisional opponent. Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN. Minnesota opens as the betting favorite at -116, with the current line favoring St. Louis at -110. It's sure to be an intense and competitive matchup as both teams look to start off the season strong.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Wild -105 | Blues -110
• Spread: Wild -1 (+190) | Blues +1 (-235)
• Total: Over/Under 6 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Minnesota will win straight-up is 51%.

Minnesota vs St. Louis Stats

Minnesota Wild

The Minnesota Wild, currently fifth in the Central Division, have shown promising performances with a 1-0-2 record. Despite a recent overtime loss to Winnipeg, they have demonstrated the ability to add points to their record even in defeat. Left winger Matt Boldy has emerged as a key player for the team, ranking seventh in the league with five points. However, the Wild have struggled offensively, averaging 2.67 goals per game and ranking 23rd in the league in this area. Defensively, the team has shown strength, conceding an average of 2.67 goals against per game. Goaltender Jesper Wallstedt will be crucial in the upcoming game against St. Louis, as he has only appeared in three games in his career. The team's strategy for victory will focus on maintaining defensive pressure, capitalizing on power play opportunities, and solid goaltending. Injuries are a concern for Minnesota, with several key players listed as questionable or out. In terms of power rankings, Minnesota is ranked 11th overall, and is ranked 12th in offense (3.50 goals per game) and 16th in defense (allowing 3.50 goals against per game) this season.

St. Louis Blues Analysis

The St. Louis Blues, currently holding the fourth spot in the Central Division with a 2-1-0 record, are facing an upcoming game against a challenging opponent in their home opener. Despite a recent narrow loss to Vegas, demonstrating some inconsistencies, the team has displayed the ability to compete and perform well. Key players will be missing due to injuries, adding pressure to the team's depth and tactical adaptability.

Offensively, the Blues have shown strength early on, ranking 10th in the league for goals scored with an average of 3.67 per game. Center Jordan Kyrou has been a standout performer with six points and four assists, leading the team's offensive efforts. However, the team's power play and penalty kill percentages indicate areas for improvement.

In terms of goaltending, Jordan Binnington has been a reliable presence with a 3.02 goals-against average. As the Blues prepare to face the Wild, their focus will be on tightening up defensively, enhancing their special teams, and relying on strong goaltending. The upcoming game against the Wild presents an opportunity for St. Louis to elevate their performance and push for a playoff spot.

In terms of injuries, several key players are listed as out, including center Alexandre Texier, defenseman Adam Jiricek, right winger Simon Robertsson, left winger Brandon Saad, center Oskar Sundqvist, and defenseman Torey Krug.

Despite their current standing, the Blues face a tough challenge against the Wild, who have had recent success against them. It will be important for St. Louis to address their weaknesses and capitalize on their strengths in order to secure a victory and improve their position in the division.

St. Louis Blues Have Advantage over Fatigued Minnesota Wild in Home Opener

The Minnesota Wild will be facing their third game in a four-day span, with previous games resulting in prolonged play. This may lead to fatigue for the team early in the season, impacting their performance. In contrast, the St. Louis Blues hold an advantage with additional rest and a stronger goaltender in Jordan Binnington, compared to a net-minder making only his fourth career start. Additionally, the Blues excel in faceoffs, ranking third in the league with a 56.0% win rate, while the Wild sit at 13th with a 50.8% win rate. Considering these factors, it is advisable to favor the St. Louis Blues to win their home opener, particularly at even odds.

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