Prediction, Odds, and Starting Goalies for Saturday Afternoon Hockey Matchup between Wild and Red Wings

• The Minnesota Wild (33-19-4) visit the Detroit Red Wings (28-22-5) on Saturday, February 22, 2025
• The NHL odds have this game listed with Detroit as slight favorites (-115) and the total set at 5.5 goals
• Read below for our Wild vs Red Wings prediction and best bets for Saturday afternoon hockey

Saturday marks the NHL’s return to action following the entertaining 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. Kicking things off at 12:30 PM ET on ABC is a cross-conference tilt between the Minnesota Wild (33-19-4) and Detroit Red Wings (28-22-5) at Little Caesars Arena.

The NHL betting odds have the Red Wings as slight favorites at -115, with the Wild at -105 on the moneyline. The total is set at 5.5 goals, with the over at -120 and the under at even money.

Let’s break down the matchup in our Wild vs Red Wings prediction for Sunday afternoon (Feb. 22).

Wild vs Red Wings Prediction

Although Minnesota has won seven of the last 10 meetings with Detroit, I’m backing the Red Wings on the moneyline (-115) to prevail at Little Caesars Arena. The Wild will be without star winger Kirill Kaprizov and depth winger Jakub Lauko, both sidelined with lower body injuries.

Detroit has quietly been one of the NHL’s hottest teams over the past few weeks, going 7-2-1 in its last 10 games. Conversely, Minnesota stumbled a bit into the break, dropping their past two road contests. Both teams should be well-rested, but I give the edge to the Red Wings on home ice, where they’ve won eight of their last 10.

The underlying numbers also point to value on the Red Wings. At 5v5 over the last 10 games, Detroit has posted a solid 50.64% Corsi For percentage while Minnesota has struggled to control play with a 44.60% mark. If the Wings can continue to drive possession, they should be able to generate plenty of chances against a shorthanded Wild squad.

In net, Minnesota’s Filip Gustavsson (22-11-3, 2.63 GAA, .915 SV%) has the statistical edge over Detroit’s Cam Talbot (16-11-2, 2.84 GAA, .905 SV%) this season. However, Talbot’s steady veteran presence should help the Wings neutralize that advantage, especially at home.

Even though this game figures to be lower-scoring – six or fewer goals have been scored in six of Minnesota’s last seven – Detroit has enough offensive firepower to break through. Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat and Lucas Raymond have all reached 20 goals, while Mortiz Seider is a dynamic power-play quarterback.

At an affordable -115 price, back the Red Wings to keep rolling and earn an important home victory coming out of the break. I expect a tight, hard-fought affair in Motown, but like Detroit to do just enough to send its fans home happy.

• Saturday NHL Pick: Red Wings Moneyline (-115 at
  ESPN Bet
  
  )

Wild vs Red Wings Odds

The Red Wings are listed as slight favorites at -115 on the moneyline, while the Wild come in as -105 underdogs. The Red Wings are +210 to cover the -1.5 puck line and win by two goals or more, while the Wild are -300 favorites to stay within the +1.5 puck line.

The total is set at 5.5 goals, with the Over priced at -120 and the Under at even money – indicating a slight lean towards the over in what could be a more offensive game than expected.

If you’re anticipating a tight, one-goal game (and the odds suggest that’s likely), there’s value in taking either team to win by exactly one goal at +320 odds. What many would consider the likeliest outcome – a 3-2 final score – is priced at +1000 for Minnesota and +1100 for Detroit.

Odds courtesy of ESPN Sportsbook as of February 22, 2025. Claim the ESPN Bet promo code to wager on Wild-Red Wings.

Wild vs Red Wings Projected Starting Goalies

Minnesota Wild: Filip Gustavsson (22-11-3, 2.63 GAA, .915 SV%)
Gustavsson has been stellar for the Wild this season and should get the start with Marc-Andre Fleury likely to serve as the backup. The 26-year-old Swede is 4-1-0 with a .918 SV% in his last five outings.

Detroit Red Wings: Cam Talbot (16-11-2, 2.84 GAA, .905 SV%)
Talbot will look to bounce back after allowing three goals on just 14 shots against Tampa Bay in his last start on February 8. Prior to that blip, the steady veteran had won three straight while allowing only seven total goals.

The Minnesota Wild will be facing off against the Detroit Red Wings in an exciting Saturday afternoon hockey matchup. As fans eagerly anticipate the game, many are wondering about the prediction, odds, and starting goalies for this highly anticipated showdown.

In terms of prediction, both teams have had their ups and downs this season. The Wild currently sit in a playoff spot in the Western Conference, while the Red Wings are near the bottom of the standings. However, anything can happen in hockey, and both teams have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season. It’s difficult to predict the outcome of this game, but it’s sure to be a thrilling contest between two talented teams.

As for the odds, sportsbooks have the Wild listed as favorites to win this game. The odds may fluctuate leading up to puck drop, but as of now, Minnesota is favored to come out on top. However, the Red Wings have proven to be a tough opponent for many teams this season, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see an upset in this matchup.

In terms of starting goalies, it’s likely that the Wild will start their star goaltender, Cam Talbot. Talbot has been solid between the pipes for Minnesota this season and has been a key factor in their success. On the other side, the Red Wings will likely turn to their young netminder, Thomas Greiss. Greiss has shown flashes of brilliance this season and will look to shut down the Wild’s potent offense in this game.

Overall, Saturday’s matchup between the Wild and Red Wings is sure to be a thrilling contest. With both teams looking to secure a crucial win, fans can expect a fast-paced and intense game on the ice. Keep an eye on the prediction, odds, and starting goalies for this matchup as the excitement builds towards puck drop.