The excitement is building as the Minnesota Wild gear up to face off against the St. Louis Blues on March 15 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. Both teams are coming into this game with quite a bit at stake, as they look to regain traction in their seasons. With recent challenges, this matchup promises to be a hard-fought battle as the teams aim for a much-needed win.
Blues are Struggling
The St. Louis Blues have seen better days. They recently lost their last two games, falling to the LA Kings with a score of 2-1 and losing 5-3 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Their current form has brought some serious concern. The Blues currently average 2.82 goals per game while allowing 3.0 goals against per game. This raises the question: can they tighten up their defense?
How Can the Wild Bounce Back?
On the other side, the Minnesota Wild faced a tough loss in overtime against the New York Rangers, despite tying the game in the third period. With an average of 2.73 goals scored per game and 2.83 goals allowed, the Wild are eager to turn their fortunes around, especially at home. Will they find the scoring touch they need to reclaim momentum?
Key Player Insights
- **Robert Thomas** leads the Blues with 17 goals and 35 assists, making him a player to watch.
- As for the Wild, their star player Kirill Kaprizov’s injury status is still unclear, leaving fans wondering if he will be able to contribute.
- **Filip Gustavsson**, the Wild’s goaltender, is expected to start. He holds a solid record of 25 wins against 14 losses.
- **Jordan Binnington**, the Blues’ goalie, is likely to be in net with a 20-21-4 record and 2.83 goals-against average.
Why the Wild Will Beat the Blues
The betting trends are leaning towards the Wild, notably for their strength on home ice. The Wild have triumphed in six of their last nine games at the Xcel Energy Center. Meanwhile, the Blues have stumbled in their last six road games on Saturdays. Additionally, the Wild’s victory over the Blues in the final period during four of their last five matchups bodes well for their chances.
Game Expectations and Predictions
With both teams struggling to find their rhythm, this game might not be a high-scoring affair. Predictions suggest an inclination towards the under bet, largely due to the Wild’s defensive challenges and Gustavsson’s reliable performance. The under has hit in four of the Wild’s previous four games. As the teams battle it out on the ice, fans can expect a tense atmosphere filled with pivotal moments.
| Statistical Overview | Minnesota Wild | St. Louis Blues |
|---|---|---|
| Goals per Game | 2.73 | 2.82 |
| Goals Against per Game | 2.83 | 3.00 |
| Recent Form | 4 Wins in Last 10 | 6 Wins in Last 10 |
| Home Advantage | 6 Wins in Last 9 at Home | Lost Last 6 Saturday Road Games |
As the countdown to game day continues, fans eagerly await what is sure to be an electric match. Whether the Wild can capitalize on home advantage or the Blues can shake off their defeats remains to be seen. Tune in as the pucks drop and the battle for crucial points begins!
