Columbus Blue Jackets at. Minnesota Wild Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 10/10/2024 8:00 PM EST

We have your Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Minnesota Wild prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Columbus Blue Jackets hit the road to face the Minnesota Wild.

Columbus Blue Jackets at. Minnesota Wild Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Columbus Blue Jackets +200 (DraftKings) / Minnesota Wild -240 (FanDuel)
Best Puck Line Odds: -1.5 - Columbus Blue Jackets -130 (bet365) / Minnesota Wild +110 (bet365)
Best Total Odds: 6.5 - Under -120 (BetMGM) / Over +100 (BetMGM)

Game Info

Date: 10/10/2024
Time: 8:00 PM EST
Location: Xcel Energy Center (Saint Paul, MN)
TV: ESPN+

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past three seasons, the Minnesota Wild and Columbus Blue Jackets have faced each other four times. In these matchups, the Wild have emerged victorious in three games, while the Blue Jackets have claimed one win. Notably, the visiting team has had the upper hand, winning three out of the four encounters. When it comes to covering the spread, Columbus has been more successful, achieving this in three games compared to Minnesota's one. The games have been evenly split in terms of total points, with the over hitting twice and the under also hitting twice. These statistics suggest a competitive series with no clear dominance in terms of scoring trends.

The most recent game between these two teams took place on January 6, 2024, where the Minnesota Wild secured a 4-3 overtime victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The game was closely contested, with both teams exchanging leads throughout. Cole Sillinger of the Blue Jackets was a standout performer, scoring a hat trick, while Matt Boldy of the Wild matched his efforts with two goals. The game was decided in overtime by Marco Rossi's goal for Minnesota. Special teams played a significant role, with both teams converting power play opportunities effectively. Minnesota had a 50% power play conversion rate, while Columbus converted 25% of their chances. The Wild outshot the Blue Jackets 36 to 29, and both teams had an equal number of penalties, highlighting the competitive nature of the game.

In terms of individual performances, Marc-Andre Fleury was in goal for Minnesota, making 25 saves on 28 shots, resulting in a save percentage of 0.893. Daniil Tarasov was the goaltender for Columbus, facing 37 shots and saving 33, with a save percentage of 0.892. The game was characterized by a high level of defensive play, with Minnesota blocking 26 shots compared to Columbus's 16. The faceoff battle was narrowly won by Minnesota, with 35 faceoffs won to Columbus's 32. Overall, the game was a testament to the competitive spirit and skill level of both teams, setting the stage for another intriguing matchup in their upcoming encounter.

Columbus Blue Jackets at. Minnesota Wild Preview

The Minnesota Wild are set to kick off their 2024-25 NHL season with a home opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Xcel Energy Center. The Wild, who missed the playoffs last season, are eager to start the new campaign on a positive note. With a roster that includes the likes of Kirill Kaprizov, who remains the heart and soul of the team, and the newly extended goaltender Jesper Wallstedt, Minnesota is looking to make a strong statement. The Wild's management has been proactive in securing their future, as evidenced by Wallstedt's two-year, $4.4 million contract extension, which underscores their commitment to building a competitive team.

On the other hand, the Columbus Blue Jackets are coming into this matchup as underdogs, with sportsbooks favoring the Wild heavily. Despite this, the Blue Jackets have shown resilience in past encounters, having won one of their last four meetings against Minnesota. The Blue Jackets will be looking to capitalize on any early-season rust from the Wild and aim to exploit any weaknesses in their lineup.

Historically, the Wild have had the upper hand in this matchup, winning three of the last four games against the Blue Jackets. However, the games have been closely contested, with the visiting team often finding success. The Wild's defensive setup, bolstered by players like Brock Faber, will be crucial in containing the Blue Jackets' offensive threats. Additionally, the presence of veteran goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, who is embarking on his final NHL season, adds a layer of experience and leadership to the Wild's roster.

As the Wild prepare to host the Blue Jackets, all eyes will be on their ability to execute on special teams, an area where they excelled in their last meeting. With a power play conversion rate of 50% in their previous encounter, the Wild will look to maintain their efficiency and capitalize on any opportunities presented by the Blue Jackets' defense. The stage is set for an exciting clash, with both teams eager to start their seasons on a high note.

Columbus Blue Jackets at. Minnesota Wild Pick: Minnesota Wild Moneyline

The Minnesota Wild are poised to start their 2024-25 NHL season with a strong performance against the Columbus Blue Jackets, and the moneyline pick for this matchup leans heavily in favor of the Wild. Several factors contribute to this prediction, starting with the Wild's historical dominance over the Blue Jackets. In their last four encounters, Minnesota has emerged victorious in three, showcasing their ability to consistently outperform Columbus. Furthermore, the Wild's home advantage at the Xcel Energy Center cannot be overlooked, as they are known to be a formidable force on their own ice.

Key players like Kirill Kaprizov, who remains the cornerstone of the Wild's offensive strategy, are expected to make significant contributions. Kaprizov's presence on the ice is a game-changer, and his ability to create scoring opportunities will be crucial in breaking down the Blue Jackets' defense. Additionally, the Wild have bolstered their roster with the extension of goaltender Jesper Wallstedt, who is set to provide a solid backup to veteran Marc-Andre Fleury. Fleury, embarking on his final NHL season, brings invaluable experience and leadership to the team, further strengthening their defensive capabilities.

The Wild's recent contract extensions and strategic roster decisions indicate a commitment to building a competitive team, and this focus is likely to translate into a strong season opener. The sportsbooks' odds reflect this confidence, with the Wild heavily favored at -240. Given their past success against Columbus and the depth of their current lineup, the Minnesota Wild are well-positioned to secure a victory in this matchup, making them the clear choice for the moneyline pick.

Columbus Blue Jackets at. Minnesota Wild Top Player Prop Picks

Kirill Kaprizov Over 4.5 Shots On Goal 114 (DraftKings)

Kirill Kaprizov is the offensive powerhouse for the Minnesota Wild, and his ability to generate shots on goal is a critical component of the team's strategy. As the heart and soul of the Wild, Kaprizov's presence on the ice is expected to be a game-changer, especially in their season opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Given his role as a primary offensive threat, Kaprizov is likely to be heavily involved in the Wild's attack, making the over on 4.5 shots on goal a compelling pick. The odds of 114 at DraftKings provide a favorable opportunity for bettors, considering Kaprizov's consistent performance in creating scoring chances.

Mats Zuccarello Over 0.5 Assists -140 (DraftKings)

Mats Zuccarello has been a key playmaker for the Minnesota Wild, and his ability to set up goals is well-documented. With the Wild looking to capitalize on their home advantage and start the season strong, Zuccarello's playmaking skills will be crucial in facilitating scoring opportunities for teammates like Kirill Kaprizov. The odds of -140 at DraftKings reflect the expectation that Zuccarello will continue to be a pivotal figure in the Wild's offensive schemes. His chemistry with Kaprizov and other forwards makes the over on 0.5 assists a strong proposition, as he is likely to be involved in the buildup of key plays.

Marco Rossi Over 0.5 Points 110 (BetMGM)

Marco Rossi's potential to contribute offensively for the Minnesota Wild is an exciting prospect for the team's fans and bettors alike. In their last encounter with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Rossi scored the decisive overtime goal, showcasing his ability to perform in crucial moments. As the Wild aim to kick off their season with a victory, Rossi's involvement in the offensive play is expected to be significant. The odds of 110 at BetMGM for Rossi to score over 0.5 points present a valuable opportunity, considering his knack for stepping up in high-pressure situations and his potential to be a key contributor in the Wild's lineup.