Minnesota Wild vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Player Props, Picks and Predictions – Thursday, Jan. 18

We have your Minnesota Wild vs. Tampa Bay Lightning prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Minnesota Wild hit the road to face the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Minnesota Wild (18-20-5) are set to face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning (22-17-5) in a clash at Amalie Arena. With both teams fighting to improve their playoff positioning, this game promises to be a critical juncture in their seasons.

Minnesota Wild vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Odds Info

Moneyline: Minnesota Wild +118 (BetRivers) / Tampa Bay Lightning -139 (BetRivers)

Puck Line: -1.5 – Minnesota Wild -210 (BetMGM) / Tampa Bay Lightning +170 (BetRivers)

Total: 6.5 – -115 (DraftKings) / -105 (DraftKings)

Game Info

Date: Thursday, Jan. 18

Time: 07:00 PM

Location: Amalie Arena – Tampa, FL

TV: ESPN+

Minnesota Wild Betting Trends

• On the road this season, the Minnesota Wild have 7 wins and 13 losses.
• As the underdog this season, the Minnesota Wild have 4 wins and 17 losses.
• This season, the Minnesota Wild have hit 24 overs and 19 unders.

Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Trends

• At home this season, the Tampa Bay Lightning have 14 wins and 8 losses.
• As the favorite this season, the Tampa Bay Lightning have 14 wins and 10 losses.
• This season, the Tampa Bay Lightning have hit 21 overs and 23 unders.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the last two seasons, the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Minnesota Wild have faced off three times, with the Lightning emerging victorious in two of those encounters. The games, spanning from January 2023 to January 2024, have seen the home team win twice, indicating a slight home-ice advantage. When it comes to betting statistics, the Lightning have covered the spread in two out of the three games, while the Wild have only managed to do so once. Interestingly, the total score has tended to be on the lower side, with the under hitting in two of the three games, and one game resulting in a push where the total score equaled the over-under line. Key statistics from these matchups reveal that the Lightning have demonstrated a strong power play performance and defensive play, particularly in their most recent game, with a power play percentage of 33.3% and 15 blocked shots. On the other hand, the Wild have struggled with their power play, failing to convert in their last game against the Lightning.

The most recent game between the two teams took place on January 4, 2024, where the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Minnesota Wild with a score of 4-1. In this game, the Lightning’s Darren Raddysh stood out with two goals in the second period, contributing significantly to the team’s victory. The Lightning also showcased their defensive prowess with a total of 15 blocked shots and a strong goaltending performance by Andrei Vasilevskiy, who saved 22 out of 23 shots, resulting in a save percentage of 0.957. The Wild’s Zach Bogosian managed to score the team’s only goal in the third period. Despite the Wild having more faceoff wins, they were unable to capitalize on their opportunities, particularly on the power play, where they had a 0% success rate. The Lightning’s victory was also reflected in the betting odds, as they were the favorites with a closing moneyline of -128 and managed to cover the spread of 1.5.

Minnesota Wild vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Predictions

The Minnesota Wild are entering this matchup on the heels of a morale-boosting 5-0 victory over the New York Islanders, hoping to build on that success on the road. The Wild’s offense has been led by the likes of Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello, who will be key in penetrating the Lightning’s defense. Minnesota, however, has been inconsistent this season, reflected in their sub-.500 record and the need to find stability as the playoffs approach.

The Tampa Bay Lightning, on the other hand, are riding a three-game winning streak and will look to leverage their home-ice advantage to continue their ascent in the Eastern Conference standings. Nikita Kucherov has been a standout performer for the Lightning, leading the team in goals, assists, and points. Tampa Bay’s power play has been formidable, and they’ll be looking to exploit the Wild’s penalty kill, which has struggled at times this season.

This game could come down to goaltending and special teams. The Wild’s recent shutout win showcased their potential for strong defensive play, but they’ll be tested by a Lightning team that has found its rhythm offensively. With both teams eager to secure a win, expect a tightly contested game with star players like Kucherov and Kaprizov playing pivotal roles in the outcome.

Minnesota Wild vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Pick

The Minnesota Wild come into this game as underdogs, but their recent 5-0 shutout victory suggests they have the momentum and defensive capability to challenge the Tampa Bay Lightning. Despite the Lightning’s strong home record and offensive prowess, led by Nikita Kucherov, the Wild’s recent performance, coupled with their need to climb the standings, makes them a compelling pick. The Wild’s moneyline bet offers value, especially considering the potential payout for an upset. Furthermore, the Wild’s power play struggles are less of a concern against a Lightning team that has not been as dominant as in previous seasons, making this an opportune moment for Minnesota to capitalize and secure a crucial win on the road.

Historically, the Lightning have had the upper hand in head-to-head matchups, but the Wild’s current form and the high stakes of this game suggest a potential shift in this trend. The Wild’s recent shutout win, their star players finding form, and the Lightning’s less than stellar performance against the spread this season, all point towards a scenario where the Wild could emerge victorious. Given the odds and the Wild’s potential for an upset, the moneyline bet on Minnesota is the strategic choice for this matchup.

The Pick: Minnesota Wild +118 (BetRivers)

Minnesota Wild vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Player Prop Picks

Here are the players who have hit over their current prop line in at least 7 of their last 10 games.

Minnesota Wild