Welcome back to another edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey reviews the scheduled games and offers insight and analysis to help predict who will win in key head-to-head matchups. Today, we preview the Anaheim Ducks vs Minnesota Wild. Check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024–25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Anaheim Ducks vs Minnesota Wild
Head to Head: Ducks 0 – 2 Wild
Time: 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: FDSNNO; Victory+, FDSNWIX; KCOP-13; ESPN+
The Anaheim Ducks (35-37-8) visit the Minnesota Wild (44-30-7) at Xcel Energy Center on April 15. This is the third and final meeting between these teams this season, with the Wild having outscored the Ducks 10-3 in the previous two games. For Anaheim, the focus is on evaluating their young talent and finishing the season strong. Meanwhile, Minnesota aims to clinch a playoff berth and secure the first wild card spot in the Western Conference.
Anaheim Ducks Searching for Answers
Anaheim enters this matchup after a disappointing 4-2 loss to the Colorado Avalanche, if you can even call that team the Avalanche. Colorado was resting most of their team ahead of the playoffs.
The Colorado Avalanche are playing tonight without:
MacKinnon
Makar
Toews
Nichushkin
Lehkonen
Drouin
Colton
Manson
LindgrenOnward to Dallas for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. #GoAvsGo
— Avs Sparky (@AvsSparky) April 14, 2025
Still, the Ducks surrendered four third-period goals in 10 minutes after leading 2-0. This collapse highlights the team’s ongoing struggles with maintaining leads and closing out games. Despite an improved record compared to last season, much of their success can be attributed to goaltenders Lukas Dostal and John Gibson, who have been stellar. With Gibson still out and two games left in the regular season, expect Ville Husso to start this one and Dostal to get Winnipeg later this week. The Ducks’ young core, including Mason McTavish and Sam Colangelo, continues to develop, but the organization still has significant work to do if it wants to become a championship-calibre one again.
Minnesota Wild Eyeing Playoff Berth
The Wild are on the cusp of clinching a playoff spot; a win against the Ducks would secure the first wild card position in the Western Conference. This would likely set up a first-round matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights. Minnesota has been dominant in their previous encounters with Anaheim this season, outscoring them 10-3 over two games. Additionally, the team may see the debut of defenceman Zeev Buium, adding depth to their blue line. Kirill Kaprizov continues to lead the team’s offense with his dynamic playmaking abilities. Filip Gustavsson is the probable starter in goal, aiming to clinch his team a postseason birth. With momentum on their side and a playoff spot within reach, the Wild are poised to deliver a strong performance.
NHL Predictions
Given the stakes for Minnesota and their previous success against Anaheim, the Wild are favored to win this matchup. The Ducks recent struggles, particularly in maintaining leads, further tilt the odds in Minnesota’s favor. Expect the Wild to continue their dominance over the Ducks in this season series.
Prediction: Wild win 5–2
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out our NHL Predictions for the Anaheim Ducks vs Minnesota Wild with some of our preferred prop bets of the night. Considering the offensive trends in their previous matchups, consider taking the over on total goals at 5.5 (-130). Given the Wild’s recent scoring prowess against the Ducks, look at the Wild puckline as well (-102). Season record: (21-37).
Main Photo: Gary A. Vasquez- Imagn Images
Please play responsibly. Check your local rules and age restrictions. Some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Have a gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
The post NHL Predictions: April 15th Anaheim Ducks vs Minnesota Wild appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.