Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NHL match.
Although the Minnesota Wild have secured victories in their last three games, they managed to score only five goals in total. This is a direct consequence of Kirill Kaprizov (23+27) being sidelined due to injury. The likelihood of his return against the Oilers is uncertain.
Minnesota Wild
The loss of three defencemen from their top two pairs (Jared Spurgeon, Brock Faber, Jonas Brodin) doesn't bode well. This disruption affects their regular power-play and penalty-kill units. At times, the Minnesota Wild have managed defensively thanks to the strong first-half performances of goaltender Filip Gustavsson (conceding 2.50 goals per game), but even he has had lapses. In their previous home encounter with the Oilers, he conceded six goals in a heavy defeat (1:7).
Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers can overpower any team with their offence. They may rank eighth in the league for scoring (3.26), but the NHL's leading goal scorer, Leon Draisaitl, plays for them, boasting 31 goals. Additionally, his 33 assists place him second in the Art Ross Trophy race. The Oilers have won six of their last seven games, with only one being notably low-scoring—a recent 1:0 victory against the LA Kings. In all other games, the Oilers have scored at least three goals.
Minnesota Wild vs Edmonton Oilers Prediction
The Minnesota Wild's reliance on a few key players will be evident in this game, and Filip Gustavsson alone cannot withstand the opposition. Therefore, the visitors are predicted to win, scoring no fewer than three goals.
