New York Islanders vs Minnesota Wild Pick and Prediction for Saturday January 10 2026
The New York Islanders travel to Saint Paul to face the Minnesota Wild on Saturday, January 10, 2026. This 8:00 PM EST matchup on ESPN+ features two of the league's top defensive units, with both teams currently occupying playoff positions in their respective divisions. 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.
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New York Islanders: Defensive Discipline on the Road
The Islanders (24-15-5) enter the Lenovo Center as one of the most difficult teams to score against, surrendering only 2.70 goals against per game. Their style remains rooted in defensive structure and elite goaltending, which has helped them maintain a winning record away from home (10-7-3). Offensively, New York averages 2.91 goals per game, relying heavily on a power play that is currently converting at a 15.9% rate.
The Islanders are currently facing a significant test of their depth. Leading goal-scorer Bo Horvat is OUT with a lower-body injury and is not expected to return until late January. This leaves a massive void in the top-six and on the primary power-play unit. Additionally, veteran Kyle Palmieri remains on IR and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. In net, the Islanders have the luxury of starting Ilya Sorokin, who carries a 2.45 GAA and a .915 SV%, making them a threat to win any low-scoring affair.
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
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| 1 |  Tony Karpinski | +2,976.00 |
| 2 |  Joe Duffy | +2,595.00 |
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| 5 |  Jackie Mack | +1,451.00 |
Minnesota Wild: Elite Home Defense
The Wild (26-11-8) have turned the Grand Casino Arena into a fortress this season, sporting a 13-4-5 record on home ice. Minnesota’s success is built on the league's most stifling defense, which allows a staggering 2.64 goals against per game. Their offensive output is equally balanced, averaging 3.11 goals per game while boasting a highly effective power play operating at 22.4%.
Minnesota's lineup is looking more robust as they return home. Top center Joel Eriksson Ek is listed as Day-To-Day and is expected to return to the lineup Saturday after a brief absence. However, the blue line remains slightly thinned as Zach Bogosian is OUT with a lower-body injury. In the crease, Filip Gustavsson has been a pillar of consistency, posting a 2.48 GAA and a .912 SV%.5 The Wild’s ability to suppress high-danger chances (29.8 SA/G) remains their greatest asset in closing out tight games.
New York Islanders vs. Minnesota Wild Prediction
This matchup is a classic defensive stalemate between two teams that prioritize shot suppression and elite goaltending. With both teams ranking in the top tier for goals against, goals will be at a premium in Saint Paul.
New York Islanders vs. Minnesota Wild ATS Pick
- Pick: Minnesota Wild -1.5 (+155)
While the Islanders are a resilient road team, the absence of Bo Horvat is a critical blow to an offense that already struggles with consistency. Minnesota’s defense is designed to frustrate teams that lack high-end finishing depth. With Eriksson Ek likely returning to provide a boost to the Wild’s transition game and the home crowd behind them, expect Minnesota to grind out a victory and potentially secure a late empty-netter to cover the puck line.
New York Islanders vs. Minnesota Wild Total Pick
- Pick: Under 5.5 (-125)
The Under is the most compelling play in this matchup. Both Sorokin and Gustavsson are playing at an elite level, and both coaching staffs emphasize a "defense-first" mentality. The Islanders have seen the Under hit in four of their last five road games, and with Minnesota’s ability to limit opponents to under 2.7 goals per game at home, this contest projects as a 3-1 or 2-1 defensive battle.
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