Welcome back to NHL Predictions here at Last Word On Hockey! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for NHL games all season long. This time around, we’re taking a closer look at a matchup featuring the Minnesota Wild and the New York Rangers.
NHL Predictions New York Rangers vs Minnesota Wild
Season Series: Wild 1-0 Rangers
How To Watch: FDSNNO, MSG, FDSNWIX
Time: 6:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Location: Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Credit Image: © Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via ZUMA Press Wire
Who has the Edge?
A few weeks ago, any hockey fan or analyst with good knowledge about the NHL will probably have said that the Wild will get two points here. Minnesota and New York are at two very different points of the season, with the Wild looking to get to a Stanley Cup, and the Rangers heading towards the future. However, in the last week or so, the Rangers have played solid hockey. Of course, the teams they beat aren’t among the league’s best, but this a good test for the Rangers to see where they’re at. J.T. Miller may return to the lineup as well, but that could make things worse instead of better.
The majority of that success for New York has been thanks to their new top-line forward group. Mika Zibanejad has been centring Gabe Perreault and Alexis Lafrenière all week, and the results have spoken for themselves. No teams the Rangers have played have an answer, and the trio seems to be gelling well. Lafrenière is on a six-game point streak, and he’s scored 11 points during that stretch. Perrault has been dazzling with incredible setup passes, and Zibanejad is playing with more confidence than he has all season. Igor Shesterkin has been solid in net, but will that be enough to take down the Wild?
LAFFY RIGHT ON TARGET FOR THE HATTY 🎯 pic.twitter.com/uliT9wLywk
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 11, 2026
The Wild have been up and down so far this week. Minnesota destroyed the Utah Mammoth in a dominate 5-0 win on Tuesday, but lost to the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 on Thursday. They have continued to build up their roster, and their lineup is one of the leagues deepest. With players like Matt Boldy, Mats Zuccarello, and Kirill Kaprizov, the Wild’s forward core is arguably the leagues best. Quinn Hughes has continued to be a game-changer on the blueline, elevating this team to new heights. Minnesota has two great goaltenders as well in Filip Gustavsson and Jesper Wallstedt, who can both start any night.
KK97 🙂↕️🙂↕️🙂↕️ pic.twitter.com/PGFhhQm0kN
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) March 13, 2026
Predictions and Key Bets to Watch
Wild 4-3 Rangers
The Rangers have played well as of late, but Minnesota are too good to bet against. New York just doesn’t have the kind of depth that the Wild has, and they will struggle to keep up with Minnesota for 60 minutes. Yes, the Rangers top-line has been elite, but it won’t be enough to combat the Wild, even with J.T. Miller‘s return. The Wild will have to control the pace of the game, and make sure they stay out of the penalty box. If Minnesota does all of that, a win here should be almost a sure thing.
In terms of best bets to watch for, look no further than Lafrenière for the Rangers. The young forward has been given more expectations now that Artemi Panarin is gone, and he’s played brilliantly for them so far. Expect him to extend his goal streak. For the Wild, Quinn Hughes will run wild over the Rangers wingers, as they don’t really have a top-tier defender in that group. Look for him to drive the play and be on the ice a long time, a good recipe for points.
Main Photo Credit: Photo by David Berding/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.