Welcome to another edition of NHL Predictions! In this one, the Chicago Blackhawks battle division rival Minnesota Wild. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey analyze the day’s games and provide in-depth analysis. We break down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then make predictions based on how they might play out. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions: Chicago Blackhawks vs Minnesota Wild
Time: 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Head-to-Head: Minnesota 1 – 0 Chicago
How to Watch TV: ESPN+, CHSN, FDSN NO, FDSN WIX
Connor Bedard and the Blackhawks are fighting for two points against Kirill Kaprizov and the Minnesota Wild.
The first meeting between these two teams was a missed opportunity for the Hawks. They controlled play and jumped out to a two-goal lead, thanks to Jason Dickinson and Connor Bedard. Brock Faber and Nico Sturm tied it before Artyom Levshunov retook the lead. Matt Boldy evened the score once again before Kirill Kaprizov netted the overtime winner. Filip Gustavsson struggled early, but battled to earn the win, while Spencer Knight had to wear the loss for the Hawks. This matchup will be much tougher for the Hawks, but these are crucial two points that they need.
Blackhawks Trying to Turn the Page After Ugly Loss
The Hawks’ game on Sunday night was one to forget. The team came in with some momentum after a good week, but they came out flat against the Panthers. We mentioned how important a hot start was for the Hawks, and they did not get it. Tyler Bertuzzi netted his first goal in five games in the first period, before the Hawks surrendered four straight goals. Connor Bedard, Andre Burakovsky and Ryan Greene were on the ice for three goals against. It was an ugly affair for everyone, but this line in particular needs to control the play, rather than chase in the defensive zone.
Additionally, the Blackhawks’ power play has completely disappeared in the last seven games. The unit is 0-17 over that span, and is going to have to be a key for victory against the Wild. Minnesota’s penalty kill is ranked 27th at just over 76 percent. There is an area for the Hawks to take advantage of and find some success. One of the only consistent bright spots for the Blackhawks this year has been their penalty kill. Jason Dickinson and Ilya Mikheyev, along with Alex Vlasic, Louis Crevier and Connor Murphy, have helped kill just under 89 percent of opportunities over the last seven games. They will need to be sharp once again. Spencer Knight should also be back between the pipes in this one.
Wild Looking to Firm Grasp of Second Place in Central Division
Obviously, the main story of the Wild’s season was the acquisition of Quinn Hughes. He has been incredible for the Wild and has given them an elite defender to add to the power play. He has 25 points in 21 games since the deal, nine of which have come on the man advantage. However, Hughes is not the only dynamic weapon that Minnesota boasts. We mentioned Kaprizov, but Matt Boldy’s 53 points earned him a spot on Team USA at the Olympics. Marcus Johansson and Joel Eriksson Ek have played well, while Vladimir Tarasenko has revived his career in Minnesota. He has 13 goals so far this year.
To put it frankly, the Wild have overwhelming talent. Not a lot of teams can match their firepower, especially the Hawks, who have struggled to find their game in recent weeks. That being said, Jonas Brodin and Zach Bogosian are out of the lineup with injury, but the group has found ways to work around their absences. In net, Gustavsson has seen the bulk of the starts, but youngster Jesper Wallstedt has been incredible in his 21 starts. He boasts a .912 save percentage. We don’t have clarity on who is starting in this one, so, as always, check social media before puck drop for lineups and starting goaltender information.
NHL Prediction
With all of the deserved praise that Minnesota’s gotten, they only sit at 4-4-2 in their last ten games. However, expect them to earn a convincing win on home ice.
Prediction: Wild win 5-2
Prop Bets
We expect the Wild to light the lamp, so their team total over 4.5 goals has good value at +165, while Minnesota -1.5 at +105 is a nice play.
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Main Photo: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images