The Minnesota Wild (34-22-4) will host the Boston Bruins (28-25-8) on Sunday, March 2nd, at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Minnesota Wild Overview
The Wild are coming off a 5-2 loss to the Colorado Avalanche, marking their third consecutive defeat. In that game, Minnesota led 2-1 after the first period but conceded four unanswered goals. They were outshot 30-20, won 41.5% of face-offs, and converted 1 of 3 power-play opportunities. Goals came from Vinnie Hinostroza and Mats Zuccarello, while goaltender Filip Gustavsson made 25 saves on 29 shots.
This recent skid places the Wild third in the Central Division with 72 points. They average 2.83 goals per game and allow 2.90. Their power play operates at 19.6%, and their penalty kill stands at 70.1%. Matt Boldy leads the team with 21 goals, 31 assists, and 206 shots on goal. Marco Rossi has contributed 21 goals and 30 assists. Gustavsson holds a 22-13-3 record, a 2.68 goals-against average, and a .912 save percentage this season.
Boston Bruins Overview
The Bruins recently edged out the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2, snapping a five-game losing streak. Despite being outshot 33-26 and winning only 37.3% of face-offs, Boston capitalized on 1 of 2 power plays. Charlie Coyle, David Pastrnak, and Mason Lohrei each scored, with goalie Joonas Korpisalo stopping 31 of 33 shots.
Boston currently sits fifth in the Atlantic Division with 64 points. They average 2.73 goals per game while allowing 3.18. Their power play efficiency is 15.1%, and their penalty kill is at 75.8%. Pastrnak leads with 31 goals, 42 assists, and 248 shots on goal. Brad Marchand has added 21 goals and 26 assists. Jeremy Swayman has an 18-19-6 record, a 3.00 goals-against average, and a .897 save percentage this season.
Key Factors
- Underdogs have won four of the Wild’s last five home games.
- The Wild have lost three of their last four as home favorites.
- The Bruins have covered the puck line in their last seven day games.
- The Wild have failed to cover the puck line in four of their last five home games against Atlantic Division teams.
- In each of the Bruins’ last six games, the team trailing after the second period has won the third period.
Total Goals Trends
- The Bruins’ last six Sunday day games have gone over the total goals line.
- Four of the Wild’s last five home games against Atlantic Division opponents have gone under the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in each of the Wild’s last six games as home favorites.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in 10 of the Bruins’ last 11 day games.
Player Props
- Kirill Kaprizov has recorded at least one point in each of his last 11 day games.
- Vinnie Hinostroza has scored in each of his last four day games.
- Kaprizov has at least one assist in eight of his last nine games as a home favorite against Atlantic Division teams.
- Kaprizov has scored the last goal in three of his last four games as a favorite against Atlantic Division opponents.
Prediction
Considering the recent trends and performances, the Bruins have shown resilience in day games and have a strong record against the puck line in such scenarios. The Wild’s recent struggles at home as favorites further tilt the scale. Expect a closely contested match with a slight edge to the Bruins, especially if they can capitalize on early scoring opportunities.