Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NHL match.
The Minnesota Wild are grappling with significant issues due to injuries to key players, which has severely impacted their results, having suffered three home defeats in their last four games. The hosts have been conceding heavily in previous matches. On the other hand, the Utah Hockey Club have gained confidence and are on an unbeaten run away from home. The visitors are clearly determined to continue their climb up the standings.
Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild have lost five of their last seven games. They have been without five players, while their defence is struggling. Over their last six encounters, the team have conceded an average of 4.2 goals per game, including two humiliating home defeats to the Edmonton Oilers (1:7) and Florida Panthers (1:6). The Wild have suffered a major loss in their main goaltender, Filip Gustavsson, who has a 92.6% save percentage. His replacement, Marc-André Fleury, cannot boast the same reliability, with a save percentage of just 89.8%.
Utah Hockey Club
The Utah Hockey Club are in excellent form, particularly in away matches. The club have won their last six games on the road. They have been quite effective offensively, averaging 4.2 goals per game during this stretch. Team leaders such as Dylan Guenther (30 points), Clayton Keller (30), and Logan Cooley (28) continue to consistently accumulate points, collectively adding 25 points in their last six games. In their most recent match against the Vancouver Canucks (3:2), the team staged a comeback to clinch victory after conceding two goals.
Minnesota Wild vs Utah Hockey Club Prediction
Considering the injuries and current form of both teams, the Utah Hockey Club appear to be better prepared for this match. The visitors have been performing confidently in away games, while the Minnesota Wild, weakened by an incomplete lineup, are displaying significant issues, particularly in defence. Therefore, we are backing the Utah Hockey Club’s scoring potential. They are expected to score at least three goals.
