Devils vs Wild Prediction & Odds - 3/31/2025

The New Jersey Devils welcome the Minnesota Wild to Prudential Center Monday night for the second game of their home-and-home series, with momentum clearly favoring the home squad after their convincing 5-2 victory in the first matchup.

Both teams find themselves in playoff battles - New Jersey sits sixth in the Eastern Conference standings while Minnesota is deadlocked with St. Louis for seventh in the West - but their recent trajectories couldn't be more different with the Devils having won two of three while the Wild have dropped three of their last four.

Special teams could prove decisive in this contest as New Jersey's fifth-ranked penalty kill and blistering 28% power play efficiency faces a Minnesota unit ranking a dismal 31st in penalty killing, setting up what promises to be an electric atmosphere when the Devils host the Wild at 7:05 PM EST.

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New Jersey Devils vs. Minnesota Wild preview

The red-hot Devils host the Wild at the Prudential Center tonight in what looks like a crucial game for both teams' playoff positioning, with New Jersey riding the momentum from their recent 5-2 victory over Minnesota in their previous clash.

Special teams could be the difference-maker in this one as the Devils boast a lethal 28% conversion rate on power plays, while Minnesota struggles with the second-worst penalty kill in the league.

Keep an eye on Jesper Bratt, who's been an assist machine for New Jersey with 66 helpers contributing to his team-leading 86 points, while Minnesota will count on Matt Boldy (62 points) to reignite their offense that's managed just five goals in their last three road games.

The goaltending battle pits Jacob Markstrom (2.50 GAA, .900 save percentage) against Filip Gustavsson (2.51 GAA, .916 save percentage) in what should be a fascinating duel between the pipes.

Minnesota's recent defensive struggles—giving up 12 goals in their last three outings—might prove costly against a Devils squad that's found their scoring touch with 10 goals in their last three games.

While the Wild have historically had the Devils' number (going 6-3-1 in their last 10 meetings), New Jersey seems to have their opponent figured out this season.

Both teams are desperate for points with the Devils trying to chase down Tampa Bay in the East and Minnesota tied with St. Louis for seventh in the Western Conference.

I'm expecting a closer contest than their previous meeting, but the home-ice advantage and special teams superiority give New Jersey the edge in what could be a back-and-forth, high-scoring affair at The Rock.