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Panthers vs Wild Prediction, Odds & Starting Goalies for Wednesday Night Hockey

Brady Trettenero

By Brady Trettenero in NHL Hockey

Published:


Oct 12, 2023; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild goalie Filip Gustavsson (32) makes a save on Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) during the third period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports
  • The Florida Panthers (19-11-2) visit the Minnesota Wild (20-7-4) in a battle of top NHL teams on Wednesday
  • We’ve made our Panthers vs Wild prediction for Wednesday, December 18, 2024
  • Read below for Panthers vs Wild prediction and odds for tonight’s game on TNT

Two of the NHL’s hottest clubs are set to tangle as the Florida Panthers (19-11-2) head to the Xcel Energy Center to take on the Minnesota Wild (20-7-4) on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. Puck drop is scheduled for 9:30 PM Eastern Time, with national coverage on TNT.

The Panthers roll into this one as -145 road favorites, while the total sits at 5.5 goals. Can Florida overcome some key injuries to solve Minnesota’s stifling defense and red-hot netminder Marc-Andre Fleury?

Here is our Panthers vs Wild prediction for Wednesday Night Hockey.

Panthers vs Wild Prediction

I’m rolling with the Wild +125 moneyline in what should be a hard-fought battle between two elite squads. Minnesota has flat-out owned this head-to-head series lately, going 3-0-0 vs Florida since last season while outscoring them 13-5.

The Wild have been rock solid on home ice, posting an 8-5-1 mark at the Xcel Energy Center. They give up the 2nd-fewest goals per game (2.52) thanks to their tight defensive play and the stellar work of Gustavsson (14-5-3, 2.24 GAA, .922 SV%).

While the Wild struggle on special teams, they click at even strength. Stars like Kirill Kaprizov (22 goals, 25 assists) and Matt Boldy (13 goals, 16 assists) lead a balanced attack that should give Florida fits.

The Panthers bring the league’s 5th-best offense (3.50 goals per game) but face injury concerns. Captain Aleksander Barkov is a game-time call with illness, while Sam Bennett is already ruled out. Even if Barkov plays, he likely won’t be at full strength.

With their top two centers either out or compromised, Florida must lean heavily on Sam Reinhart (20 goals, 21 assists) and Matthew Tkachuk (11 goals, 20 assists) against Minnesota’s stifling defense. Add in Sergei Bobrovsky’s recent struggles (.889 SV%), and the Panthers face an uphill battle.

The Panthers are just 2-2-0 on this road trip and have been shut out twice. Meanwhile, the Wild are firing on all cylinders and catch Florida at the perfect time. Back Minnesota to protect home ice and grab a statement win.

Wednesday NHL Pick:

  • Wild Moneyline (+125 at ESPN BET)

Panthers vs Wild Odds

Team Spread Moneyline Total
FLA Panthers -1.5 (+170) -145 Over 5.5 (-105)
MIN Wild +1.5 (-215) +125 Under 5.5 (-115)

Florida comes in as a -145 moneyline favorite, meaning a $145 bet on the Panthers would net you a $100 profit if they get the W. Minnesota sits as a +125 home underdog, offering a potential $125 return on a $100 wager.

The Panthers are +170 to cover the -1.5 puck line, meaning they need to win by two or more goals for that ticket to cash. Meanwhile, the Wild are -215 to stay within 1.5 goals, so Minnesota backers would win $100 on a $215 bet if the Wild either win outright or lose by just one.

The total is locked at 5.5 goals, with the over at -105 and the under priced at -115. This suggests we’re in for a tight-checking, lower-scoring affair.

 

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Odds courtesy of ESPN Bet as of December 18, 2024.

Panthers vs Wild Projected Starting Goalies

Here’s who we expect between the pipes for Wednesday’s Panthers vs Wild tilt:

Florida Panthers: Sergei Bobrovsky (14-6-1, 2.97 GAA, .889 SV%)
Bob is having a down year by his lofty standards, struggling to find his groove. The 37-year-old veteran has been lit up for four or more goals in five of his last 10 starts and sports an ugly sub-.900 save percentage.

That said, Bobrovsky has historically owned the Wild, posting a stellar 13-5-1 mark with a 2.37 GAA and .918 save percentage. He’ll need to channel some of that past magic and stand on his head to give the undermanned Panthers a fighting chance.

Minnesota Wild: Marc-Andre Fleury (6-1-1, 2.51 GAA, .909 SV%)
With Gustavsson on the shelf, “Flower” gets the nod in what will be his second start in three games. The ageless wonder has been rock solid in a backup role this season, putting together a sharp 6-1-1 record with a 2.51 GAA and .909 SV%.

The future Hall of Famer was absolutely dialed in during his last outing, turning aside 21 of 22 shots in a 4-1 win over Philly. His .955 save percentage in that one showed he’s still got plenty left in the tank at age 40.

In his illustrious career, Fleury has dominated the Panthers to the tune of an 18-10-2 record, 2.29 GAA and .922 SV%. Look for the savvy veteran to get the better of Bobrovsky in this goaltending duel.

Back the Wild as short home underdogs. With Florida missing some key pieces up front and Fleury locked in, Minnesota should be able to grind out a important win on home ice and improve upon their stellar 8-5-1 record at the Xcel Energy Center.

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Brady Trettenero
Brady Trettenero

Lead NHL & NCAAF Editor

Brady is the lead NHL and College Football editor at Sports Betting Dime, where he specializes in betting odds and data-driven analysis. Brady has over 10 years experience working in sports media, with work published by outlets such as ESPN, CBS Sports, Yahoo! Sports and Fox Sports.

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