The Carolina Hurricanes (23-13-2) are set to host the Minnesota Wild (24-11-4) in what promises to be an intriguing cross-conference matchup at the Lenovo Center on Saturday night.

Both teams enter the contest riding impressive momentum, with the Wild having won their last two games while the Hurricanes are coming off a convincing 3-1 victory over the Florida Panthers.

The matchup features two of the NHL's most formidable defensive units, with Minnesota allowing just 2.69 goals per game (6th in NHL) and Carolina close behind at 2.76 goals against average (9th in NHL).

The Hurricanes' high-powered offense, led by Martin Necas and Sebastian Aho who have combined for 27 goals and 59 assists, will face a stern test against Filip Gustavsson, who has been outstanding with a .924 save percentage this season.

The Wild will have to overcome the absence of injured star Kirill Kaprizov, though Matt Boldy and Marco Rossi have stepped up admirably, combining for 28 goals and 36 assists this season.

Recent history between these teams has favored the road team, with the visitors winning the last two meetings, setting the stage for what could be another compelling chapter in this interconference rivalry.

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Minnesota Wild: who will win?

For tonight's Carolina Hurricanes vs Minnesota Wild matchup, our predictive model gives the Wild a 62% chance of defeating the Hurricanes.

Minnesota Wild: 62% win probability

  • Superior point accumulation (52 points in 39 games vs Hurricanes' 48 in 38)
  • Better recent form (WWLWW vs Hurricanes' WLWLL)
  • More consistent scoring (117 goals for in 39 games, 3.0 goals per game)

Carolina Hurricanes: 38% win probability

  • Recent inconsistency (WLWLL in last 5 games)
  • Lower points percentage (1.26 vs Wild's 1.33 points per game)
  • Defensive struggles (107 goals against in 38 games, matching Wild's GA)

At Sporting Post, our unique prediction model combines insights from top NHL experts. Instead of sifting through hundreds of expert analyses across the web, you can rely on our predictions to understand the market's overall sentiment. We scan trusted sources, analyzing predictions, data, and opinions, and our AI assigns a confidence level to each prediction. We then average these levels to produce an 'expert opinion' win probability—reflecting the collective intelligence of the industry's leading NHL experts.

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Minnesota Wild odds

Carolina HurricanesMinnesota Wild
moneyline-190 (via Caesars Sportsbook)+160 (via DraftKings Sportsbook)

Key stats

  • 1
    The Carolina Hurricanes have won 23 out of 38 matches this season.
  • 2
    The Minnesota Wild have won 24 out of 39 matches this season.
  • 3
    With 48 points, the Carolina Hurricanes holds the 5th position in the league standings.
  • 4
    Minnesota Wild's 52 points place them 3rd in the rankings.

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Minnesota Wild form

Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina Hurricanes
Latest matches
W
L
W
L
L
Victories
2/5 (40%)
Defeats
3/5 (60%)
Jan 3, 2025
Florida Panthers1:3Carolina Hurricanes
Jan 1, 2025
Columbus Blue Jackets4:3Carolina Hurricanes
Dec 29, 2024
New Jersey Devils2:5Carolina Hurricanes
Dec 28, 2024
New Jersey Devils4:2Carolina Hurricanes
Dec 24, 2024
Nashville Predators5:2Carolina Hurricanes
Minnesota Wild
Minnesota Wild
Latest matches
W
W
L
W
W
Victories
4/5 (80%)
Defeats
1/5 (20%)
Jan 3, 2025
Washington Capitals3:4Minnesota Wild
Jan 1, 2025
Nashville Predators3:5Minnesota Wild
Dec 30, 2024
Ottawa Senators3:1Minnesota Wild
Dec 28, 2024
Dallas Stars2:3Minnesota Wild
Dec 24, 2024
Chicago Blackhawks3:4Minnesota Wild

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Minnesota Wild head to head

Carolina Hurricanes

33%

Minnesota Wild

67%

Feb 28, 2024

Minnesota Wild

2 : 3

Carolina Hurricanes

Jan 21, 2024

Carolina Hurricanes

2 : 5

Minnesota Wild

Jan 20, 2023

Carolina Hurricanes

5 : 2

Minnesota Wild

Nov 20, 2022

Minnesota Wild

2 : 1

Carolina Hurricanes

Apr 2, 2022

Carolina Hurricanes

1 : 3

Minnesota Wild

Feb 13, 2022

Minnesota Wild

3 : 2

Carolina Hurricanes