Wild vs Penguins Picks and Prediction – 10/29/2024

The Minnesota Wild (5-1-2) head to Pittsburgh to face the Penguins (3-6-1), fresh off a 7-5 loss to the Flyers. The Penguins are in a slump, aiming to break a five-game skid after a 4-3 defeat to the Canucks. Minnesota holds a solid 4-1-1 road record, while Pittsburgh struggles at home. Hit the ice running with our NHL picks.

Leading Minnesota's offense, Kirill Kaprizov has tallied 15 points, including four goals and 11 assists. Paired with Mats Zuccarello, Kaprizov has boosted the Wild’s scoring to 3.63 goals per game. Minnesota's power play, converting at 30.8%, poses a threat against a Penguins defense allowing 4.20 goals per game. Goaltender Filip Gustavsson has provided stability with a 2.17 goals-against average and .922 save percentage.

Minnesota’s defense, allowing just 2.50 goals per game, has been disciplined, averaging only 3.2 penalty minutes recently. However, a 73.3% penalty kill remains an area in need of improvement. The potential absences of Joel Eriksson Ek and Marcus Johansson may test depth.

Pittsburgh’s offense centers around Evgeni Malkin, who leads with 14 points, with three goals and 11 assists. Despite generating 31.2 shots per game, Pittsburgh’s inconsistency has hurt them. Goalie Joel Blomqvist holds a .911 save percentage, though his 3.34 GAA highlights defensive issues. Pittsburgh’s penalty kill at 82.1% will be tested by Minnesota’s power play.

Defensively, the Penguins allow 4.20 goals per game, particularly struggling at even strength. Injuries to Bryan Rust and Alex Nedeljkovic add pressure on the defense, which has conceded 23 goals in the last five games.

Minnesota’s offensive efficiency and goaltending have an edge over Pittsburgh’s faltering defense. Expect the Wild to exploit Pittsburgh’s issues and capitalize on power plays. Final Score Prediction: Minnesota Wild win 4-2.