NHL Betting Preview: Wild vs Lightning
The Minnesota Wild go up against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Benchmark International Arena, with face-off scheduled for 19:30 on Tuesday, March 24.
We Could See Lots of Goals Scored
We’re not going to pass up the chance to take +106 that there are Over 6.5 goals scored. The Wild and the Lightning should deliver on that front.
Wild 5-1 Victory in Previous H2H Meeting
Minnesota Wild claimed a home victory in their previous game. A 2-1 (OT) win occurred against Dallas Stars at Xcel Energy Center. Vladimir Tarasenko and Bobby Brink scored one goal each. Goalie Filip Gustavsson was red hot in this one, making 28 saves (.966).
Tampa Bay Lightning were defeated in their last game. On the road, they suffered a 4-3 (OT) reverse against Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Darren Raddysh, Ryan McDonagh and Pontus Holmberg scored one goal each.
Head-to-Head Statistics
The scoreline was 5-1 in favor of the Wild when they last played the Lightning, with the encounter taking place at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild have won three on the spin against the Lightning. They’ve also claimed 6 victories in the past 10 head-to-head encounters.
Starting Goalies
Filip Gustavsson (Expected)
Season
W-L-OTL:
GAA:
SV%:
SO:
24/25
26-11-6
2.5
.912
4
23/24
20-18-4
3.06
.899
3
Andrei Vasilevskiy (Expected)
Season
W-L-OTL:
GAA:
SV%:
SO:
24/25
33-12-3
2.3
.913
2
23/24
30-20-2
2.9
.900
2
Minnesota Wild – Last 10 Games
5 wins, 3 losses and 2 overtime losses, averaging 2.9 goals from 31.3 shots on goal, with a 10.4% powerplay efficiency. The Wild have been giving up 2.1 goals from 27.0 shots, averaging 4.8 penalties with a penalty-killing efficiency of 93.8%.
Quinn Hughes is the top points scorer with 10 points, 1 goal and 9 assists, with Brock Faber racking up 9 points, 1 goal and 8 assists, over the last 10 games. Goalie Filip Gustavsson have a 1.83 goal against average with a .928 save percentage, including one shutout.
Tampa Bay Lightning – Last 10 Games
The Lightning have 5 wins, 4 losses and 1 overtime loss, averaging 4.1 goals from 27.4 shots on goal, with a 14.6% powerplay efficiency. They have been conceding 3.4 goals from 28.8 shots, averaging 4.6 penalties per game with a penalty-killing efficiency of 87.0%.
The top points scorer is Nikita Kucherov with 23 points, 8 goals and 15 assists, while Anthony Cirelli is next in line after registering 13 points, 4 goals and 9 assists. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy have a 2.27 GAA with a .916 SV%.
Minnesota Wild vs Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction & Picks
Our Minnesota Wild vs Tampa Bay Lightning preview includes expert betting advice on all fronts — from a match prediction and correct score guidance to player prop selections and a bet builder tailored for value.
Game Prediction
Our confident pick is that the teams will combine to go over the total goals line. The +106 that this outcome happens looks really attractive for this NHL encounter.
The formbook is always a smart starting point when making hockey picks. Up-to-date NHL team news is just as important, while the stats we provide often reveal valuable insights.
Key Wild vs Lightning stats:
The 6.5 line has been covered in 8 of the last 10 Wild games on the road.The 6.5 line has been covered in 14 of the last 20 Wild games on the road.The 6.5 line has been covered in the last 4 Lightning games.The 6.5 line has been covered in 7 of the last 10 Lightning games.The 6.5 line has been covered in 13 of the last 20 Lightning games.Over 6.5 Probability
The odds at the top betting apps suggest our pick has a 48.5% chance of winning. Taking all factors into consideration, our analysts think there’s a stronger chance of success and have a probability interval between 55-60%. The bet can be recommended for this precise reason.
Looking for Bigger Odds?
There are ways to increase the odds if you’re wanting to bet on Overs and one of them is wagering on Match Winner & Total Goals where you also predict a franchise to win.
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Our Game Prediction
Over 6.5 Goals @ +106
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Disclosure: This preview contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. T&Cs apply. We only recommend licensed and regulated operators. See our Editorial Policy. Pick odds and lines reflect the price available at the time of publication (Mar 23, 23:57). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Published 23:57, 23 March 2026
Player Prop Picks
Nikita Kucherov (Lightning) has made at least one assist in 8 of the past 10 games. The odds are attractive when it comes to wagering on Player Assists and you can get -250 that he is able to land a return.
Latest Nikita Kucherov Player Prop Odds
Goals
Assists
Shots on Goal
Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Minnesota Wild vs Tampa Bay Lightning Odds
The odds and lines below are updated regularly and may differ from the prices shown in our picks, which are captured at the time of publication.
Lightning Favorites to Win According to the Books
Tampa Bay Lightning are regarded as having a 63% chance of winning this game according to the latest betting odds. The sportsbooks have priced them up at -169. For those wanting to back Minnesota Wild, you will find +140 about the underdogs.
The puck line stands at 1.5 and the total goals line is 6.5. A Totals bet relates to the number of goals that will be scored overall. If you’re wanting to back Over 6.5, the odds are +104.
The top NHL sportsbooks offer a wide range of game lines and team props for every matchup. Make sure you look through all the available options before deciding which bet to place.
Nikita Kucherov Favorite to Light the Lamp First
Nikita Kucherov is the First Goalscorer favorite at +1000. Alternatively, there’s the chance to simply back him to light the lamp at anytime at +135.
Player Goals
Nikita Kucherov (Lightning)
Kirill Kaprizov (Wild)
Jake Guentzel (Lightning)
Brandon Hagel (Lightning)
Player Assists
Nikita Kucherov (Lightning)
Quinn Hughes (Wild)
Darren Raddysh (Lightning)
Matt Boldy (Wild)
Player Shots
Nikita Kucherov (Lightning)
Matt Boldy (Wild)
Jake Guentzel (Lightning)
Brandon Hagel (Lightning)
Micro Betting
There are always opportunities to enjoy NHL micro betting. It’s generally the case that you will find team and player props in-game and bettors can use their insight to wager on outcomes such as the Next Goal or Next Goalscorer.
Live market odds and lines updated regularly. All odds subject to change. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Team Stats
Latest regular season and playoff games stats.
Minnesota Wild Stats
Tampa Bay Lightning Stats
5 wins and 5 defeats in the last 10 games
7 wins and 3 defeats in the last 10 games on the road
5 wins and 5 defeats in the last 10 games
7 wins and 3 defeats in the last 10 home games
+1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 8 of the last 10 games
+1.5 Betting Line on the Road: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 9 of the last 10 games on the road
-1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 5 of the last 10 games
-1.5 Betting Line at Home: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 5 of the last 10 home games
Game Totals: An average of 5.20 goals in the previous 10 games
Game Totals on the Road: An average of 7.80 goals in the previous 10 games on the road
Over 6.5: Covered in 1 of the previous 10 games
Over 6.5 on the Road: Covered in 8 of the previous 10 games on the road
Team Totals: Have scored an average of 2.90 goals and allowed 2.30 goals in the last 10 games
Team Totals on the Road: Have scored an average of 4.40 pts and allowed 3.40 goals in the last 10 games on the road
Game Totals: An average of 7.50 goals in the previous 10 games
Game Totals at Home: An average of 6.40 goals in the previous 10 home games
Over 6.5: Covered in 7 of the previous 10 games
Over 6.5 at Home: Covered in 5 of the previous 10 home games
Team Totals: Have scored an average of 4.10 goals and allowed 3.40 goals in the last 10 games
Team Totals at Home: Have scored an average of 3.60 goals and allowed 2.80 goals in the last 10 home games
Last 10 Games
Goals Powerplay: 0.5
Shots: 31.3
Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
Penalties: 4.8
Empty Net Goals: 0.1
Penalty Minutes: 11.3
Blocks: 16
Faceoff Wins : 27
Hits: 25.3
Giveaways: 14.1
Takeaways: 4.3
Last 10 Games on the Road
Goals Powerplay: 1.3
Shots: 32.1
Goals Shorthanded: 0.2
Penalties: 3.8
Empty Net Goals: 0.3
Penalty Minutes: 9.8
Blocks: 14.3
Faceoff Wins : 26
Hits: 22.4
Giveaways: 14.7
Takeaways: 4.5
Last 10 Games
Goals Powerplay: 0.6
Shots: 27.4
Goals Shorthanded: 0.2
Penalties: 4.6
Empty Net Goals: 0.4
Penalty Minutes: 13.3
Blocks: 14.4
Faceoff Wins : 25.9
Hits: 22.6
Giveaways: 14.9
Takeaways: 3.7
Last 10 Home Games
Goals Powerplay: 0.8
Shots: 31.5
Goals Shorthanded: 0
Penalties: 5.8
Empty Net Goals: 0.2
Penalty Minutes: 19.5
Blocks: 12.9
Faceoff Wins : 28.3
Hits: 24
Giveaways: 14
Takeaways: 4
Starting Lineups
Both teams’ confirmed lineups will be published ahead of face-off. There is also the chance to look at the lineups from the previous 10 games.
Expert Analysis by Kevin Thompson
NHL Analyst
About the Analyst
Our ice hockey previews are produced by a specialised team of analysts, former odds compilers and sports journalists. Picks are research-driven and reviewed for accuracy and editorial consistency under the oversight of our hockey panel and Editor-in-Chief.
NHL Predictions Methodology
Our NHL analysis combines the latest team news, injury reports and line changes with recent form and market movement. We factor in situational analysis like home ice advantage and schedule spots. Metrics such as Corsi, Fenwick, Expected Goals (xG) and PDO are used to evaluate puck possession, shot quality, goaltending performance and special teams efficiency beyond the traditional box score.
Full Methodology & Data Sources
Where to Bet
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Transparency & Safety
This preview was last updated on Mar 24, 07:38 to reflect the latest team news, injury reports, confirmed lines and pairings, starting goaltenders, lineup changes, schedule context, key performance metrics and odds movement.
All analysis is produced by professional analysts and reviewed by our Ice Hockey Editorial Betting Panel for accuracy and consistency.
Historical performance for our game predictions is tracked and updated regularly for transparency.
Important: Betting should be treated as entertainment and involves risk. Past results are not indicative of future performance. Only wager what you can afford to lose.
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