Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the San Jose Sharks taking on the Minnesota Wild . Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2024-25 season.
NHL Predictions
San Jose Sharks vs Minnesota Wild
Head-to-Head: Sharks 0-2 Wild
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: NBC Sports California; Fan Duel Sports North; Fan Duel Sports Wisconsin X; ESPN+
We feature a Western Conference matchup in this set of NHL predictions. The Wild are going for a three-game, season-sweep of the Sharks in this matchup at the XCel Energy Center. San Jose is just playing out the string, but Minnesota is trying to solidify its place in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. A victory for the Wild will go a long way to clinching a Wild Card spot.
The Sharks are trying avoid finishing dead-last in the league with a victory. San Jose will be in the mix to get one of the top picks in the NHL Draft, but it would love to end the season on a positive note.
This edition of NHL predictions will cover the stats and storylines coming into this late-season matchup.
The Sharks Story
San Jose is expected to start Alexandar Georgiev in between the pipes for this game. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Sharks have lost six straight games and are 2-7-1 in the last 10 games. It looks San Jose is just trying to get to the end of the season. However, they’d love to put the pressure on Minnesota.
William Eklund has been one of the bright spots with 17 goals and 38 assists for the Sharks. Tyler Toffoli leads the team in goals this season so far with 28.
The Wild Story
Minnesota is expected to counter with future Hall of Famer Marc-Andre Fleury in goal for this game. The Wild are 4-4-2 in the last 10 games, but are coming off a win in their last time on ice. A victory here would make it almost impossible for the Calgary Flames to catch Minnesota for the last spot barring an epic collapse.
Mats Zuccarello has collected 18 goals and 30 assists for the Wild this season. Matt Boldy leads the squad in goals with 26 for Minnesota.
Prediction
The Wild know that can pretty much clinch a post-season spot with a victory. That could serve as a massive motivator for this game and Minnesota should take one huge step. San Jose won’t make it easy, but it’s a tall order.
Prediction: Wild win 5-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
Let’s finish up this round of NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. The over/under for this game is 5.5 and we like the over in this game. For player props, go with Macklin Celebrini to get an assist in this game for San Jose. On the Minnesota side of things, take Marco Rossi to tally a goal for his team.
Main photo by: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions, some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
The post NHL Predictions: April 9 San Jose Sharks vs Minnesota Wild appeared first on Last Word On Hockey .