Up arrow
NHL
Games

New York Islanders vs. Minnesota Wild: Preview, Predictions and Picks for February 8, 2025

Updated on:
Feb 8, 2025 9:11 PM
On Saturday, February 8, the New York Islanders travel to the Xcel Energy Center to face off against the Minnesota Wild in a non-conference matchup. The Wild, currently sitting with a 32-19-4 record, will look to capitalize on their home ice advantage against the Islanders, who are 25-22-7 on the season. The puck drops at 8:00 PM as these two teams clash in their first meeting of the regular season.
New York Islanders vs Minnesota Wild

Current Odds

NYI
MIN
Over
9.5
+100
Under
8.5
+200
NYI
+1.5
+210
MIN
-1.5
+105
NYI
ML
+1320
MIN
ML
-550

Islanders vs Wild statistics

Stat Islanders Wild
Goals For per Game 2.72 2.82
Goals Against Average 2.87 2.80
Shots per Game 28.7 27.7
Shots Against per Game 28.4 30.1
Power Play Goals 15 26
Power Play Goals Against 33 40
Short Handed Goals 5 3
Short Handed Goals Against 0 0
Penalty Minutes 307 429
Power Play Percentage 11.7 18.4
Penalty Kill Percentage 71.1 71.2

Minnesota Wild recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
2/6/25 vs Carolina Hurricanes W 2-1
2/4/25 @ Boston Bruins L 3-0
2/1/25 @ Ottawa Senators L 6-0
1/30/25 @ Montreal Canadiens W 4-0
1/29/25 @ Toronto Maple Leafs W 3-1

New York Islanders recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
2/4/25 vs Vegas Golden Knights W 2-1
2/2/25 @ Florida Panthers L 6-3
2/1/25 @ Tampa Bay Lightning W 3-2 OT
1/30/25 @ Philadelphia Flyers W 3-0
1/28/25 vs Colorado Avalanche W 5-2

Minnesota Wild injuries

  • Ryan Hartman (RW): Suspension
  • Jakub Lauko (C): Injured Reserve
  • Jonas Brodin (D): Injured Reserve
  • Marcus Johansson (LW): Injured Reserve
  • Kirill Kaprizov (LW): Injured Reserve

New York Islanders injuries

  • Scott Mayfield (D): Injured Reserve
  • Hudson Fasching (RW): Injured Reserve
  • Mathew Barzal (C): Injured Reserve
  • Anthony Duclair (LW): Day-To-Day
  • Marcus Hogberg (G): Injured Reserve

Islanders vs Wild game info

Type Info
Venue Xcel Energy Center
Location Saint Paul, MN
Puck drop Sat 8:00 PM
TV MSGSN

Islanders vs Wild predictions

When the New York Islanders step on the ice against the Minnesota Wild, all eyes will be on their top players, diving into the critical roles they might play. Anders Lee, the Islanders’ leading goal-scorer, has been delivering solid results with 22 goals this season. With his day-to-day status, fans are eager to see if he’ll shake off his current injury woes and bring his A-game to the Xcel Energy Center. His presence can be a game-changer. Meanwhile, Bo Horvat, who’s been doing an admirable job as a playmaker with 21 assists, is also listed as day-to-day. If Horvat is clear to lace up his skates, expect him to pull the strings in the offensive zone, potentially setting up key moments to unlock Wild’s defense.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild have to navigate through their own lineup challenges without the help of their offensive dynamo, Kirill Kaprizov. Although sidelined due to lower body surgery, his impressive tally of 23 goals and 29 assists speaks volumes of the offensive threat they’re missing. In his absence, it's crucial that other players step up. Matt Boldy and Joel Eriksson Ek might be tasked with shouldering more of the attacking duties. They’ll need to channel Kaprizov’s energy and creativity to keep the home crowd energized and put the Islanders on their heels. Imagine Boldy weaving through defenders with his finesse or Ek exploiting gaps with his physical presence; these are the things that could turn the tide for Minnesota.

Given the circumstances on both sides, predicting the winner might feel a bit like fortune-telling, yet here's how it seems to play out. Despite being evenly matched, the edge could go to the Minnesota Wild. They are playing on home ice, where a familiar environment and the cheers of their dedicated fans can offer that extra bit of motivation. That said, the Islanders won’t make it easy. If Lee and Horvat hit the ice healthy and ready, they could easily flip the script. But considering the potential for Minnesota’s supporting cast to rally and compensate, the odds tilt slightly in their favor. What do you think, could this be a Wild night at the Xcel Energy Center?

Minnesota Wild

New York Islanders

No
New York Islanders
players

More Games