Hurricanes vs Wild Betting Preview
Minnesota elevates rookie Danila Yurov to the top line as they push for a third straight win. The 21-year-old joins Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello after strong recent shifts and a wave of injuries. John Hynes likes his poise. He wants Yurov to play his own game and not force offense.
The Wild are 3-0-1 on their homestand with wins over Anaheim and Vegas. They are creating more consistent slot looks and generating second chances. Injuries remain a factor. Ryan Hartman is week-to-week and Marco Rossi and Nico Sturm remain out.
Carolina arrives in strong form. The Hurricanes beat Boston 3-1 Monday and are 6-1-1 in their past eight. Rod Brind’Amour may get Jalen Chatfield back soon after he returned to practice Tuesday. His status is still a game-time decision.
Carolina’s structure remains one of the league’s best. The Hurricanes continue to suppress shots and attack with speed. They sit 13-5-1 and control possession as well as any team in the league.
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Line Movement and Odds
Current numbers:
Hurricanes -151, Wild +127
Puck Line: Hurricanes -1.5 (+155), Wild +1.5 (-180)
Total 6 (over -115, under -105)
Openers were similar, but early action leaned to Carolina after their strong run and Minnesota’s injury list. The total sits at 6 with moderate two-way action. Public bettors favor Carolina. Sharper money grabbed Minnesota +130 on the injury-driven value.
Track updates on the live NHL odds board
Matchup Breakdown
Carolina outlook
The Hurricanes continue to fire heavy shot volume. They sit near the top of the league in shot share and dictate pace. Taylor Hall, Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis drive their offense. The team’s depth continues to cover injuries. Their forecheck forces turnovers and extends shifts.
Their main question is goaltending. Frederik Andersen owns an .886 save percentage this season. Carolina’s defense reduces his workload, but clean entries from Minnesota’s top line could test him.
Minnesota outlook
The Wild respond well to pressure. They are creating higher-value chances at home and their power play remains top-tier. Filip Gustavsson likely starts and brings strong career numbers vs Carolina. His efficiency improves in structured games.
Minnesota needs more from its bottom six, especially with Hartman, Rossi and Sturm sidelined. Yurov’s move to the top line adds creativity. Kaprizov and Zuccarello remain the engine.
Key battle
Minnesota’s top line against Carolina’s forecheck. If the Wild break pressure cleanly, they can create off the rush. If not, Carolina will extend shifts and wear them down.
Injuries and Conditions
Carolina Hurricanes
Jalen Chatfield, game-time decision, upper body.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi, questionable, lower body.
Charles-Alexis Legault, out, hand.
Jaccob Slavin, out, undisclosed.
See the full Carolina Hurricanes injury report
Minnesota Wild
Ryan Hartman, out, lower body.
Marco Rossi, out, lower body.
Nico Sturm, out, back.
Vladimir Tarasenko, questionable, lower body.
Check the Minnesota Wild injury report
Best Bets and Prediction
Carolina owns the form edge. The Wild counter with home ice and a hot goaltender in this matchup. Expect a tight game driven by pace and special teams.
Projected score: Hurricanes 4, Wild 3.
Best bet: Hurricanes -151.
Secondary lean: Over 6.
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