The NHL regular season is underway, and the Columbus Blue Jackets are set to visit the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. Both teams are early in their campaigns, with Columbus currently holding a 0-1 record and Minnesota starting strong at 1-0. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 8:00 PM.
Under the guidance of head coach Dean Evason, the Blue Jackets are looking to bounce back after their opening game loss. They currently rank 11th in the Eastern Metropolitan Division and are aiming for their first win. Despite being the underdog with a +138 moneyline, Columbus hopes to defy expectations against Minnesota.
The Minnesota Wild, led by head coach John Hynes, have had a promising start with a shutout victory in their first game. Ranked 3rd in the Western Central Division, Minnesota is favored to continue their winning streak. With a moneyline of -163, the Wild are positioned as the favorites to secure another victory at home.
Wild vs Blue Jackets At a Glance
- Game Location: Grand Casino Arena
- Columbus Blue Jackets Record: 0-1-0
- Minnesota Wild Record: 1-0-0
- Broadcast: ESPN+ at 8:00 PM
- Game Odds: Wild favored with MoneyLine -163
- Head Coaches: John Hynes (Wild) vs. Dean Evason (Blue Jackets)
Wild Expectations: Minnesota Wild Gear Up for an Exciting Game
Team Performance and Key Players
The Minnesota Wild have kicked off their 2025-26 season with a solid 5-0 win against the St. Louis Blues. Ryan Hartman stood out by scoring two goals, demonstrating the team’s offensive depth despite some key injuries. Filip Gustavsson delivered an impressive performance in goal, achieving a shutout with 26 saves.
Kirill Kaprizov, now secured with an eight-year, $136 million extension, remains the offensive cornerstone for the Wild. His consistent scoring ability is expected to be pivotal in the Wild’s quest for postseason success. Alongside Kaprizov, Marco Rossi has emerged as a promising talent, fresh off a 60-point season and a new three-year contract.
New Additions and Roster Moves
In the offseason, the Wild made significant moves, including acquiring Vladimir Tarasenko to enhance their scoring lineup. Tarasenko, a former 30-goal scorer, has quickly adapted, forming strong chemistry with Kaprizov and Danila Yurov. This acquisition is aimed at boosting the team’s offensive firepower.
Despite losing some key players like Frederick Gaudreau and Marc-André Fleury, the Wild have confidence in their internal depth. With additional cap space, they are poised to make strategic moves during the season to strengthen their roster further.
Injury Updates
The Wild are dealing with several injuries as they head into the season. Notable absences include Jonas Brodin, who is recovering from upper-body surgery, and Mats Zuccarello, sidelined with a lower-body injury for 7-8 weeks. These injuries present a challenge, but the team’s depth will be tested as they navigate the early season.
Nico Sturm and Michael Milne are also out with undisclosed injuries, affecting the team’s lineup options. However, the Wild’s management has expressed confidence in their ability to adapt and overcome these setbacks.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU Last 5: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU Last 10: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 1-0 (100.0%)
Defensive Outlook and Goaltending
Filip Gustavsson’s performance in the season opener has set a high standard for the Wild’s goaltending. His shutout against the Blues highlights his importance to the team’s defensive strategy. The Wild will rely on Gustavsson’s consistency throughout the season to maintain their defensive strength.
With 19 hits and 16 blocks recorded, the Wild’s defense is showing early signs of resilience. As the season progresses, maintaining this level of physicality and defensive commitment will be key to their success.
Blue Jackets Seek Redemption Against Minnesota Wild
Team Overview
The Columbus Blue Jackets are set to hit the road again, this time visiting the Minnesota Wild at the Grand Casino Arena. After a narrow 2-1 defeat to the Nashville Predators in their season opener, the Blue Jackets will be eager to bounce back. The upcoming game is crucial as Columbus aims to secure their first win of the season.
The Blue Jackets’ recent performance saw Dmitri Voronkov score the sole goal for the team, showcasing his potential to be a key player this season. The team’s overall effort was commendable, despite the disallowed goal by Mathieu Olivier due to goaltender interference. Head coach Dean Evason expressed satisfaction with the team’s approach, highlighting their commitment and intensity on the ice.
Key Players to Watch
Dmitri Voronkov, having found the net against the Predators, will be a player to watch against the Wild. His ability to score and create opportunities is vital for Columbus’s success in the coming games. Additionally, Kirill Marchenko, who led the team with eight shots on goal in the previous game, will be instrumental in generating offensive pressure.
Goaltender Jet Greaves, with his 29 saves against Nashville, will be crucial in keeping the Blue Jackets competitive. Despite the loss, his performance provides a solid foundation for Columbus’s defense. The team will rely on his consistency to mitigate Minnesota’s scoring threats.
Recent Form and Challenges
Columbus’s historical struggles on the road, particularly with a record of 14-23-4 last season, present a challenge as they continue their away games. The team will need to overcome these road woes to improve their standings early in the season. Facing the Wild, the Blue Jackets will focus on converting their scoring chances, a department where they outperformed Nashville despite the defeat.
Defensive discipline will also be key for Columbus, as they work to minimize penalties that could lead to power-play opportunities for the Wild. Their penalty kill was tested against Nashville, and maintaining focus will be critical to avoid giving Minnesota any edge.
Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU Last 5: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU Last 10: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- Puckline Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- Puckline Last 5: 0-1 (0.0%)
- Puckline Last 10: 0-1 (0.0%)
- Puckline All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- Puckline as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 5: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 10: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
Wild vs Blue Jackets Prediction: Minnesota Wild -163
The Minnesota Wild head into their second game of the season after a dominant 5-0 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Despite missing key players such as Jonas Brodin, Mats Zuccarello, and Nico Sturm, the Wild showcased strong depth and resilience, which should carry them forward against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Wild’s current momentum and home advantage give them a favorable outlook in this matchup.
On the other hand, the Columbus Blue Jackets are coming off a narrow 2-1 loss to the Nashville Predators. While Columbus showed some offensive promise, outshooting their opponents in scoring chances, they have historically struggled on the road. The Blue Jackets’ current form and past road difficulties make them a less reliable pick for this game.
With the Wild playing at home and coming off a strong performance, they appear poised to secure another win. Filip Gustavsson’s recent shutout in the season opener reflects the Wild’s defensive capabilities, which could stifle Columbus’s attack. Additionally, the Wild’s offensive depth, led by players like Ryan Hartman, is likely to exploit any defensive lapses from the Blue Jackets.
Overall, betting on the Minnesota Wild at -163 seems prudent given their recent form and favorable circumstances. With the Wild’s confidence and strong start to the season, they should continue their winning ways against the Blue Jackets. Expect the Wild to control the game and secure a convincing win at home.
- Wild vs Blue Jackets Prediction: Minnesota Wild -163
- Wild vs Blue Jackets Score: Wild 4 – Blue Jackets 1
