Minnesota Wild vs Seattle Kraken Pick and Prediction for Thursday January 8 2025
Use Code WWWC The Minnesota Wild travel to Climate Pledge Arena to face the Seattle Kraken on Thursday, January 8, 2026. This 10:00 PM EST matchup, streaming on ESPN+, features a Wild team looking to regain their footing against a Kraken squad currently enjoying an 8-1-1 surge over their last ten games. Minnesota won the only previous meeting of the season, a 4-1 victory in early December. For expert analysis and daily wagering insights on the full slate of NHL action, be sure to check out the latest free NHL picks over at Winners and Whiners.
Minnesota Wild Defending Top Spot in Central
The Wild enter this contest with a 25-11-8 record and a strong 12-7-3 mark on the road. Offensively, they average 3.11 goals per game with a power play converting at 22.4%. Their primary strength has been defensive structure, allowing only 2.64 goals per game (5th in the NHL), though their penalty kill has been a recent vulnerability at 76.9%.
Minnesota is currently dealing with a series of significant injuries to their defensive core and forward depth. Jonas Brodin, Brock Faber, and Jared Spurgeon are all currently OUT with various upper and lower-body injuries, leaving the team without three of its top four defensemen. Additionally, forward Marcus Johansson is OUT after suffering a facial injury in Monday's game against the Kings. Zach Bogosian and Daemon Hunt are also listed on the injury report as day-to-day and OUT respectively. In net, the Wild are expected to utilize their primary starter who holds a 2.48 GAA.
Seattle Kraken Riding Franchise-Best Momentum
The Kraken sit at 20-14-7 and have moved into a tie for third in the Pacific Division after a four-game winning streak.8 Seattle averages 2.78 goals per game and features a power play that has caught fire recently, converting at nearly 38% over their last ten contests. While they allow 2.83 goals per game, their penalty kill has struggled significantly at 70.4%.
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Seattle's lineup is also feeling the impact of the injury bug. Jaden Schwartz is on Injured Reserve with a lower-body injury and is expected to miss several more weeks.9 Brandon Montour is OUT with a hand injury, and Matt Murray is sidelined on Injured Reserve with a lower-body ailment. Winger Eeli Tolvanen and Vince Dunn are both listed as day-to-day and will be game-time decisions for tonight’s matchup. In goal, Joey Daccord (2.82 GAA) and Philipp Grubauer (2.22 GAA) have provided a reliable tandem during this recent stretch.
Minnesota Wild vs. Seattle Kraken Prediction
This matchup is a clash between a depleted Wild defense and a Kraken team that is playing its best hockey of the season. While Minnesota’s top-end talent can carry the offense, the loss of three elite defensemen is a massive hurdle against a Seattle team that is currently 17-0-2 at home.
Minnesota Wild vs. Seattle Kraken ATS Pick
- Pick: Seattle Kraken +1.5 (-198)
The Kraken are currently in the midst of their second-longest point streak in franchise history.10 Given the current state of the Wild’s blue line—missing Jonas Brodin, Brock Faber, and Jared Spurgeon—the Kraken should be able to dictate play in the offensive zone. While the Wild are favored on the moneyline, the value lies with a surging Kraken team to at least keep this a one-goal game or win outright at home.
Minnesota Wild vs. Seattle Kraken Total Pick
- Pick: Under 6.5 (-135)
Both teams have specialized in low-scoring affairs this season. Minnesota ranks 5th in goals conceded, and Seattle has allowed only 20 goals over their last ten games. Despite the defensive injuries for Minnesota, they tend to play a very conservative, shot-blocking style that limits high-danger chances. Expect a tight, defensive battle where the total stays under the 6.5 mark.
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