By: Kim Smith Published 01/24/2026, 05:30 AM ET 
The Florida Panthers head north on Saturday, January 24, 2026, to take on the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena, with puck drop scheduled for 9:00 PM ET. This matchup will be televised on ESPN+, FanDuel Sports Network North, FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin, and Scripps Sports. At the time of this writing, Minnesota is listed as a -130 home favorite on the moneyline, while Florida comes back at +110. The total for this contest is set at 5.5 goals, with the Over priced at -130 and the Under at +110. The puck line shows Florida +1.5 at -218 and Minnesota -1.5 at +180. Before locking in any wagers, make sure to check out our free NHL picks for more daily betting insights.
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Terms & Conditions Panthers Looking for Consistency on the Road
Florida Panthers enter this matchup with a 26-20-3 overall record and a 12-10-0 mark on the road. Over their last five games, the Panthers have recently won over Winnipeg in a shootout and Washington, but they’ve also recently lost to San Jose, Carolina, and Montreal. That stretch highlights Florida’s inconsistency away from home, where strong efforts have often been followed by defensive breakdowns.
From a statistical standpoint, Florida averages 2.96 goals per game while allowing 3.27, a number that has climbed during recent road trips. The Panthers generate 28.9 shots per game and allow 26.1 shots against, which shows they can control possession but have struggled to convert chances at a consistent rate. Special teams have been mixed, with Florida scoring 32 power-play goals at an 18.1% success rate while allowing 29 power-play goals against. Their penalty kill has been a bright spot at 82.4%.
Florida’s biggest challenge has been defensive structure. When the Panthers get caught pushing the pace, they become vulnerable in transition, which has led to lopsided losses against disciplined teams. Against a Minnesota squad that thrives on capitalizing on mistakes, that issue could be magnified.
Wild Protecting Home Ice
Minnesota Wild come into Saturday’s matchup with a 29-14-9 overall record and a strong 14-6-6 mark at home. Over their last five games, the Wild have recently won over Detroit in overtime, Toronto, and Buffalo, while also recently losing to Montreal and Winnipeg. Minnesota has been particularly difficult to beat at Grand Casino Arena, where they play a structured, physical style.
Statistically, Minnesota averages 3.17 goals per game while allowing just 2.83, one of the better defensive marks in the league. The Wild generate 29.0 shots per game and allow 29.7, relying more on efficiency than volume. Their power play has been effective, scoring 41 goals with a 23.8% conversion rate, while the penalty kill sits at 76.7%.
Minnesota’s strength lies in its discipline and balance. The Wild don’t rely on one scoring line, and they are comfortable grinding out low-scoring wins. That approach has been especially effective at home, where they force opponents into extended defensive shifts and capitalize on power-play opportunities.
Florida Panthers vs Minnesota Wild PickFlorida Panthers vs Minnesota Wild Pick Minnesota Wild -130 (Moneyline)
I’m backing Minnesota on the moneyline in this matchup. The Wild have been far more consistent at home, and their defensive structure matches up well against a Florida team that has struggled to protect leads on the road. Minnesota’s ability to limit high-danger chances should force Florida into a slower-paced game that favors the home side.
Florida Panthers vs Minnesota Wild Total Pick
I’m also leaning Under in this spot. Minnesota is comfortable playing low-scoring games, and Florida’s recent road struggles have come largely from defensive lapses rather than offensive explosions. With the Wild allowing just 2.83 goals per game and the total set at 5.5, the value sits with the Under.
Final Score Prediction: Minnesota Wild 3, Florida Panthers 2
This prediction was written before the completion of game play on Friday.
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