Minnesota Wild vs New Jersey Devils Pick – 3/31/2025

The Minnesota Wild and New Jersey Devils are set to face off tonight at 7:00 p.m. at the Prudential Center in Newark. This game marks the conclusion of a home-and-home series, with the Devils having secured a 5-2 victory in Minnesota on Saturday. Both teams are vying for crucial points as the regular season winds down, making this encounter particularly significant.

Minnesota Wild vs New Jersey Devils Game Preview

The Minnesota Wild enter this matchup with a 41-28-5 record, placing them fourth in the Central Division with 87 points. They are currently tied with the St. Louis Blues and trail the Colorado Avalanche by six points for third place. The Wild have faced challenges recently, losing three of their last four games, including the recent defeat to the Devils. Offensively, they average 2.69 goals per game, ranking 28th in the league, while allowing 2.82 goals against per game, placing them 12th defensively. Their power play operates at 20.4%, and their penalty kill stands at 71.4%.

In the absence of star forward Kirill Kaprizov, who has been sidelined since January 26 with a lower-body injury, Matt Boldy has stepped up, leading the team with 24 goals and 38 assists for 62 points. Marco Rossi has also contributed significantly with 22 goals and 33 assists. Goaltender Filip Gustavsson is expected to start tonight; he holds a 29-17-4 record with a 2.51 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage this season.

The New Jersey Devils come into the game with a 39-29-7 record, positioning them third in the Metropolitan Division with 85 points. They hold an eight-point lead for the third spot and have a magic number of 10 to clinch a playoff berth. The Devils have won two of their last three games, including the recent victory over the Wild. They average 2.97 goals per game (17th in the league) and allow 2.63 goals against per game (4th). Their power play is notably strong at 28.1%, and their penalty kill is effective at 82%.

Captain Nico Hischier has been instrumental, recording his second career hat trick in the previous game against Minnesota. He has 33 goals and 29 assists this season. Jesper Bratt leads the team with 20 goals and 66 assists, totaling 86 points. Goaltender Jacob Markstrom is likely to start; he has a 24-14-6 record with a 2.50 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage.

Betting Insights

• Moneyline: New Jersey Devils -155 / Minnesota Wild +130
• Over/Under: 5.5 goals

Key trends to consider:

• The Wild have lost four of their last five road games.
• The Devils have lost four of their last five games as home favorites.
• The Wild have covered the puck line in 11 of their last 12 games as underdogs against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• Five of the Devils' last six games as home favorites following a road win have gone over the total goals line.

Minnesota Wild vs New Jersey Devils Prediction

Considering the recent performance and statistical data, this game presents a compelling scenario for bettors. The Devils' strong power play and recent offensive surge, highlighted by Hischier's hat trick, suggest they have the momentum. However, the Wild's resilience on the road and their ability to cover the puck line as underdogs cannot be overlooked.

Given the Devils' recent success and home advantage, they are favored to win. However, the Wild's tendency to keep games close, especially against Metropolitan Division opponents, makes the puck line an attractive option. Additionally, with both teams having a history of games going over the total goals line in similar situations, betting on the over 5.5 goals could be a prudent choice.

In conclusion, while the Devils are likely to secure a victory, expect a closely contested game with a higher goal tally, making the over and the Wild covering the puck line viable betting options.