Hockey Club vs Red Wings Picks and Prediction – 3/7/2025

In a thrilling NHL matchup set for March 6, the Utah Hockey Club, standing at 27-25-9 with a 15-12-3 record away from home, will face off against the Detroit Red Wings, who hold a 30-25-6 overall record and a 16-14-3 record on home ice at Little Caesars Arena. The Utah team enters the game after a mixed run of results, including a recent 3-1 loss to New Jersey, while the Red Wings are looking to bounce back from a close 2-1 loss to Carolina. Hit the ice running with our NHL picks.

Utah's offense is spearheaded by Clayton Keller, who has been exceptional this season with 69 points, including 22 goals and 47 assists. Despite Keller's play, the team's overall scoring average stands at 2.80 goals per game. The goaltending duo of Karel Vejmelka and Connor Ingram has been solid, though Vejmelka is currently day-to-day with an injury. Vejmelka boasts a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.45 and a .910 save percentage.

Defensively, Utah has allowed an average of 2.93 goals per game. The power-play unit has performed well, with a success rate of 23.1%, but penalty killing could improve, currently at 80.8%. The injury list includes significant players like Nick Bjugstad and Michael Carcone, potentially impacting depth.

The Red Wings' top scorer, Lucas Raymond, has accumulated 63 points this season from 22 goals and 41 assists. Alex DeBrincat has also been a crucial player, leading with 29 goals. Detroit has a slightly better scoring average than Utah at 2.85 goals per game, but the defensive stats are concerning with a 3.16 GAA.

The defense and goaltending will need to tighten up, with Cam Talbot showing a 2.92 GAA and a .903 save percentage. The power play is strong, ranked at 29.1%, although penalty killing is less effective at 69.9%. The team's injury report includes key players like Michael Rasmussen and Patrick Kane, which could limit depth.

Considering both teams' current form and injury challenges, this game is expected to be closely contested. However, Detroit's slightly better offensive record and home advantage might tilt the game in their favor. Prediction: Detroit Red Wings win 3-2.