Minnesota Wild at Pittsburgh Penguins Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 10/29/2024 7:00 PM EST
We have your Minnesota Wild at Pittsburgh Penguins prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Minnesota Wild hit the road to face the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Minnesota Wild at Pittsburgh Penguins Odds Info
Best Moneyline Odds: Minnesota Wild -130 (DraftKings) / Pittsburgh Penguins +110 (DraftKings)
Best Puck Line Odds: 1.5 - Minnesota Wild +200 (bet365) / Pittsburgh Penguins -238 (DraftKings)
Best Total Odds: 6.5 - Under -128 (FanDuel) / 6.0 - Over -120 (Caesars)
Game Info
Date: 10/29/2024
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Location: PPG Paints Arena (Pittsburgh, PA)
TV: ESPN+
Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis
Over the past three seasons, the Minnesota Wild and Pittsburgh Penguins have faced each other four times. In these matchups, the Penguins have emerged victorious in three games, while the Wild have secured one win. The home team has generally had the upper hand, winning three out of the four games, with the visiting team winning only once. When it comes to covering the spread, both teams have done so twice. The games have been evenly split in terms of total points, with two games going over the set line and two staying under.
The most recent encounter between these two teams took place on February 9, 2024, where the Minnesota Wild defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2. The Wild, playing at home, were the underdogs with a closing moneyline of +110, while the Penguins were favored at -134. The game saw the Wild take an early lead with a goal from Matt Boldy in the first period. The Penguins managed to equalize twice, with goals from Reilly Smith and Sidney Crosby, but the Wild ultimately secured the win with a game-winning goal from Kirill Kaprizov in the third period. Both teams had equal power play opportunities, converting one goal each from six chances. The Penguins outshot the Wild 36 to 30, but the Wild had more blocked shots, with 21 compared to the Penguins' 17.
In terms of individual performances, Marc-Andre Fleury was in goal for the Wild, making 34 saves out of 36 shots, resulting in a save percentage of 0.944. On the other side, Alex Nedeljkovic was the goaltender for the Penguins, saving 27 out of 30 shots, with a save percentage of 0.9. The game was closely contested, with both teams having similar statistics in faceoffs and penalty minutes. The Wild's victory was significant as it was their only win against the Penguins in the last four meetings, and it came despite being the underdog in terms of betting odds.
Minnesota Wild at Pittsburgh Penguins Preview
The Minnesota Wild and Pittsburgh Penguins are set to clash in what promises to be an intriguing matchup at PPG Paints Arena. The Wild, boasting a strong start to the season with a 5-1-2 record, are looking to bounce back after a high-scoring 7-5 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. This game marks the end of a grueling seven-game road trip for Minnesota, and they will be eager to finish on a high note. The Wild have been efficient offensively, with an impressive 13.3% shooting percentage, but they may be feeling the effects of their extended time away from home.
On the other side, the Pittsburgh Penguins are struggling to find their footing early in the season, holding a 3-6-1 record. They return home after a disappointing road trip, where they failed to secure a win in four games. Despite their recent struggles, the Penguins have shown potential in their puck-possession metrics, suggesting they might be due for a turnaround. Their defensive play has been less than stellar, with a 4.20 goals-against average, but they remain a high-volume shooting team, capable of creating numerous scoring opportunities.
This game also marks a significant moment for Marc-Andre Fleury, the veteran goaltender for the Wild, as he returns to Pittsburgh, where he spent the first 13 years of his illustrious career. Fleury, who is expected to retire at the end of the season, will be motivated to deliver a strong performance in what could be his final start in Pittsburgh. However, his early-season form has been inconsistent, adding an element of uncertainty to the Wild's defensive prospects.
Both teams feature star players who can change the course of the game. For the Wild, Kirill Kaprizov has been a standout performer with four goals and 11 assists, while the Penguins' Evgeni Malkin has matched that output with three goals and 11 assists. The matchup between these two offensive powerhouses will be a key factor in determining the outcome of the game.
As the Wild and Penguins prepare to face off, fans can expect a competitive and high-energy game. With both teams eager to improve their standings, this matchup is poised to be a thrilling encounter, with plenty of action at both ends of the ice.
Minnesota Wild at Pittsburgh Penguins Pick: Total Goals Over
When analyzing the upcoming matchup between the Minnesota Wild and the Pittsburgh Penguins, the over on total goals appears to be a compelling pick. Both teams have shown tendencies that suggest a high-scoring affair is likely. The Wild, despite their strong start to the season, are coming off a 7-5 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, indicating potential vulnerabilities in their defense. This game marks the end of a taxing seven-game road trip for Minnesota, and fatigue could play a role in their defensive performance, potentially leading to more scoring opportunities for the Penguins.
On the other hand, the Penguins have struggled defensively, with a goals-against average of 4.20, which is far from ideal. Their defensive lapses have been a significant factor in their early-season struggles. However, Pittsburgh's high-volume shooting style, characterized by numerous high-danger chances, suggests they are capable of capitalizing on any defensive lapses by the Wild. The Penguins' offensive potential is further underscored by their puck-possession metrics, which indicate they are due for a breakout performance.
Moreover, both teams feature offensive stars who can change the game's dynamics. Kirill Kaprizov for the Wild and Evgeni Malkin for the Penguins have been prolific, each contributing significantly to their teams' scoring. Their presence on the ice increases the likelihood of a high-scoring game, as both players are adept at creating and converting scoring opportunities.
Given these factors, the combination of Minnesota's recent defensive struggles, Pittsburgh's offensive potential, and the presence of elite offensive talent on both sides, the over on total goals is a logical and well-supported pick for this matchup. Fans can expect an exciting, end-to-end contest with plenty of scoring chances at both ends of the ice.
Minnesota Wild at Pittsburgh Penguins Top Player Prop Picks
Kirill Kaprizov Over 3.5 Shots On Goal -125 (BetRivers)
Kirill Kaprizov has been a standout performer for the Minnesota Wild, contributing significantly to their offensive prowess with four goals and 11 assists so far this season. His ability to generate scoring opportunities is reflected in his high shot volume, making the over on 3.5 shots on goal a compelling pick. The Wild's offensive efficiency, highlighted by their 13.3% shooting percentage, suggests that Kaprizov will continue to be a focal point in their attack. Additionally, the Penguins' defensive struggles, with a 4.20 goals-against average, provide an ideal backdrop for Kaprizov to exploit, further supporting the likelihood of him surpassing this shots on goal line.
Evgeni Malkin Over 0.5 Assists 114 (DraftKings)
Evgeni Malkin has been a key playmaker for the Pittsburgh Penguins, matching Kaprizov's output with three goals and 11 assists. His ability to set up scoring opportunities is crucial for the Penguins, especially given their high-volume shooting style. Despite their recent struggles, Pittsburgh's puck-possession metrics indicate that they are capable of generating numerous scoring chances, and Malkin's role as a facilitator will be pivotal. With the Wild potentially fatigued from their extended road trip, Malkin is well-positioned to capitalize on any defensive lapses, making the over on 0.5 assists a strong proposition.
Joel Eriksson Ek Over 0.5 Points -145 (DraftKings)
Joel Eriksson Ek has been a consistent contributor for the Minnesota Wild, and his ability to find the scoresheet makes the over on 0.5 points an attractive option. The Wild's offensive efficiency and the Penguins' defensive vulnerabilities create a favorable environment for Eriksson Ek to make an impact. As the Wild look to finish their road trip on a high note, Eriksson Ek's presence in both the offensive and defensive zones will be crucial. His knack for being involved in key plays enhances the likelihood of him registering at least one point in this matchup.