The Minnesota Wild, led by head coach John Hynes, will travel to the Enterprise Center to take on the St. Louis Blues in an NHL regular-season game. With a strong record of 45-23-12, the Wild are positioned third in both their conference and division. The game is scheduled for April 13, 2026, at 8:00 PM and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
On the other side, the St. Louis Blues, coached by Jim Montgomery, hold a 34-33-12 record, ranking 12th in their conference and 7th in the division. This home game presents an opportunity for them to improve their standings against a tough Wild team. The Blues recently showed promise with a 5-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks.
Looking at recent performances, the Wild have faced some challenges, with two close losses against Nashville and Dallas. However, they secured a convincing 5-2 win over Seattle earlier this month. The Blues have shown resilience, alternating between wins and losses, most recently defeating the Blackhawks, which may boost their confidence heading into this matchup.
Blues vs Wild At a Glance
- Game Location: Enterprise Center
- Airing On: ESPN+
- Away Team Record: Minnesota Wild hold a 45-23-12 record
- Home Team Record: St. Louis Blues stand at 34-33-12
- Game Odds: Wild are favored with a MoneyLine of -127
- Wild’s Recent Performance: Lost their last game 1-2 against the Nashville Predators
Blues Set to Shine: Analyzing Their Upcoming Game
Away Team Analysis
The away team will be looking to capitalize on their recent performances, having scored 212 goals this season, ranking them 24th in the league. Their assist tally stands at 367, placing them 26th, which highlights their moderate ability to create scoring opportunities. This team has struggled with shot production, ranking 31st with just 1995 shots on goal.
Defensively, the team has shown strength in physicality, registering 1744 hits, ranking them 8th. However, their blocking ability has not been as effective, standing at 1083 blocks, which is 25th in the league. This suggests their defense might be more reliant on physical play than strategic positioning.
Key Players to Watch
The team’s power play has seen some success, with 37 power play goals, placing them 21st overall. This indicates that while their general scoring might not be stellar, they can be dangerous with a man advantage. They have also won 2092 faceoffs, a rank of 29th, which might be an area of improvement for their centermen.
Offensively, the team has had difficulties with giveaways, having given the puck away 1094 times, placing them 2nd. However, they have managed to recover the puck 344 times, ranking 7th in takeaways, showing their persistence in regaining possession. With 2151 faceoffs lost, they will need to improve in puck control and winning draws.
Goaltending Overview
In net, the goaltenders have allowed 231 goals, placing them 14th, indicating a relatively solid defense when it comes to preventing goals. They have made 1953 saves this season, though they have not recorded a shutout. This suggests that while the goalies are making stops, they are still conceding goals at critical moments.
Team Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- SU Last 5: 3-2 (60.0%)
- SU Last 10: 6-4 (60.0%)
- SU All Games: 30-33 (47.6%)
- SU as Favorite: 7-13 (35.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 23-20 (53.5%)
- Puckline Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- Puckline Last 5: 3-2 (60.0%)
- Puckline Last 10: 8-2 (80.0%)
- Puckline All Games: 36-27 (57.1%)
- Puckline as Favorite: 7-13 (35.0%)
- Puckline as Underdog: 29-14 (67.4%)
- O/U Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- O/U Last 5: 2-3 (40.0%)
- O/U Last 10: 3-7 (30.0%)
- O/U All Games: 27-36 (42.9%)
The Wild Ride Continues: Minnesota Wild Gear Up for St. Louis Showdown
St. Louis Blues: Offense and Scoring Depth
The St. Louis Blues enter this matchup with a strong offensive presence, having scored 262 goals this season, placing them ninth in the league. Their ability to generate scoring opportunities is further evidenced by their seventh-place ranking in shots on goal, totaling 2342. This offensive depth ensures that they are a constant threat to any opposing defense.
On the power play, the Blues have been particularly effective, ranking third in the league with 64 goals. This efficiency with the man advantage could play a crucial role in tipping the scales in their favor. Additionally, with 451 assists, the Blues rank tenth in the league, showcasing their ability to work as a cohesive unit to set up scoring chances.
Physical Play and Defensive Presence
The Blues bring a physical style of play, evidenced by their 1694 hits this season, ranking them 12th in the league. This physicality can wear down opponents over the course of a game. Additionally, their defensive play is highlighted by 1244 blocks, placing them fourth in the league and demonstrating their commitment to protecting their own net.
Despite these strengths, the Blues rank 25th in faceoffs won with 2144, which could be an area of concern in gaining and maintaining puck possession. Their 1157 giveaways, ranking tenth, indicate a need for careful puck management against a fast-paced Wild team.
St. Louis Blues: Goaltending Overview
Defensively, the Blues have been solid, conceding 213 goals this season, placing them fourth in the league. This is complemented by their goaltenders’ ability to make crucial saves, with 2128 saves recorded. Their ability to keep games close is a testament to their strong defensive core and goaltending tandem.
However, they have not recorded any shutouts this season, suggesting potential vulnerabilities in keeping a clean sheet. This could be a focal point for the Wild as they aim to exploit any defensive lapses.
St. Louis Blues Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- SU Last 5: 3-2 (60.0%)
- SU Last 10: 5-5 (50.0%)
- SU All Games: 30-23 (56.6%)
- SU as Favorite: 17-14 (54.8%)
- SU as Underdog: 13-9 (59.1%)
- Puckline Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- Puckline Last 5: 3-2 (60.0%)
- Puckline Last 10: 4-6 (40.0%)
- Puckline All Games: 30-23 (56.6%)
- Puckline as Favorite: 14-17 (45.2%)
- Puckline as Underdog: 16-6 (72.7%)
- O/U Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- O/U Last 5: 3-2 (60.0%)
- O/U Last 10: 6-4 (60.0%)
- O/U All Games: 26-27 (49.1%)
Blues vs Wild Prediction: Wild -127
The Minnesota Wild have shown consistent performance throughout the season with a solid 45-23-12 record. Their strong standing in the Western Central Division, sitting at third, indicates their capability to handle competitive games. Their moneyline at -127 suggests a slight edge over the Blues in this matchup.
In contrast, the St. Louis Blues have struggled to maintain consistency, evident from their 34-33-12 record and lower division rank at seventh. Despite playing at home, their conference and division records are subpar, posing challenges against a team like the Wild. The Blues’ recent form, with a 2-2-0 record last week, further highlights their unpredictability.
The Wild’s strategic recalls from AHL Iowa in preparation for the playoffs, and resting key players, demonstrate their depth and readiness to adapt to any situation. Despite some injuries, Minnesota’s depth provides them with a competitive edge, especially against a Blues team with a weaker conference performance.
Given the Wild’s superior standing and preparation for the playoffs, they have the upper hand in this encounter. A projected final score of Wild 4 – Blues 2 aligns with their season-long performance and strategic planning for the upcoming playoff run.
- Blues vs Wild Prediction: Wild -127
- Blues vs Wild Score: Wild 4 – Blues 2
