The NHL regular season kicks off with the Minnesota Wild traveling to face the St. Louis Blues at the Enterprise Center. Both teams are eager to start the new season on a positive note, with the game scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN+ at 8:00 PM on Thursday, October 9, 2025. As the season opener, this game will set the tone for both teams as they seek early momentum in the Western Central Division.
Last season, the Minnesota Wild finished with a record of 45-30-7, ranking 7th in their conference and 4th in the division under head coach John Hynes. They reached the Western First Round in the postseason but were eliminated with a 2-4 series loss. As they start the new season, the Wild aim to improve upon last year’s performance, particularly in their conference and division records.
Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues, led by head coach Jim Montgomery, finished last season with a record of 44-30-8, placing 8th in the conference and 5th in the division. They also exited in the first postseason round, losing their series 3-4. Heading into this matchup as favorites, the Blues will look to capitalize on their home advantage and start their season strong against their divisional rivals.
Blues vs Wild At a Glance
- Game Location: Enterprise Center
- Game Time: Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 8:00 PM
- TV Broadcast: ESPN+
- St. Louis Blues Last Season Record: 44-30-8
- Minnesota Wild Last Season Record: 45-30-7
- Game Odds: Blues favored with a MoneyLine of -123
Blues Prepare for Their Season Opener: What to Watch For
Key Skaters to Watch
Robert Thomas stood out last season, playing 70 games and accumulating 81 points with 21 goals and 60 assists. His presence as a center will be pivotal for the Blues as they embark on the new season.
Jordan Kyrou was another top performer with 36 goals and 34 assists over 82 games. His offensive capabilities will be crucial in the upcoming games, especially in high-stakes situations.
Dylan Holloway, a left winger, impressed with 63 points in 77 games. His physicality, evident from 165 hits, adds an edge to the Blues’ attack.
Impactful Forwards
Pavel Buchnevich recorded 57 points in 76 games, showcasing his consistency on the wing. His ability to generate assists will be vital for the Blues’ offensive strategies.
Brayden Schenn, with 50 points last season, remains a central figure in the Blues’ lineup. His experience and physical play, highlighted by 194 hits, offer stability.
Jake Neighbours contributed 46 points in 82 games and provided a strong physical presence with 173 hits. His role as a left winger will be key for the Blues, especially in tough road games.
Goalie Outlook
Jordan Binnington, the Blues’ top goalie, recorded 28 wins in 56 games last season. His ability to make crucial saves will be essential as the Blues aim for a strong start.
Joel Hofer will also be a key player between the pipes, having secured 16 wins in 31 games. His presence as a backup goalie provides depth to the Blues’ goaltending options.
Team Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- SU Last 5: 3-2 (60.0%)
- SU Last 10: 8-2 (80.0%)
- SU All Games: 32-30 (51.6%)
- SU as Favorite: 15-7 (68.2%)
- SU as Underdog: 17-23 (42.5%)
- Puckline Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- Puckline Last 5: 2-3 (40.0%)
- Puckline Last 10: 6-4 (60.0%)
- Puckline All Games: 32-30 (51.6%)
- Puckline as Favorite: 15-7 (68.2%)
- Puckline as Underdog: 17-23 (42.5%)
- O/U Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- O/U Last 5: 3-2 (60.0%)
- O/U Last 10: 4-6 (40.0%)
- O/U All Games: 27-35 (43.5%)
The Wild Roar: Minnesota’s Season Opener Anticipation
Wild’s Offensive Powerhouses
Matt Boldy leads the Wild’s offensive unit, coming off a stellar season where he played all 82 games, racking up 73 points with 27 goals and 46 assists. His physical play is evident with 52 hits, showcasing his ability to make an impact beyond scoring.
Marco Rossi is another key player in Minnesota’s offensive lineup. Last season, he demonstrated his value with 60 points from 24 goals and 36 assists, alongside a notable 62 hits, proving he can be a versatile asset on the ice.
Kaprizov and Zuccarello’s Impact
Kirill Kaprizov, though limited to 41 games last season due to injury, still managed to make an impressive impact with 56 points. His scoring touch, with 25 goals, is crucial for the Wild as they aim for a strong start to the season.
Mats Zuccarello, a vital part of the team’s offensive depth, is currently out with a lower-body injury and expected to miss 7-8 weeks. His absence will require other players to step up to fill the void in scoring and playmaking.
Goaltending Strength
Filip Gustavsson stands as the Wild’s primary netminder, having recorded 31 wins last season. His consistency is key for the team’s defensive strategy, especially after securing a five-year contract extension that underscores his importance to the franchise.
Jesper Wallstedt, with only two games played last season, is a developing talent who may see increased opportunities. The Wild’s goaltending depth will be tested, particularly if Gustavsson faces any setbacks.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 0-3 (0.0%)
- SU Last 5: 1-4 (20.0%)
- SU Last 10: 4-6 (40.0%)
- SU All Games: 33-30 (52.4%)
- SU as Favorite: 22-11 (66.7%)
- SU as Underdog: 11-19 (36.7%)
- Puckline Last 3: 0-3 (0.0%)
- Puckline Last 5: 1-4 (20.0%)
- Puckline Last 10: 4-6 (40.0%)
- Puckline All Games: 36-27 (57.1%)
- Puckline as Favorite: 24-9 (72.7%)
- Puckline as Underdog: 12-18 (40.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- O/U Last 5: 4-1 (80.0%)
- O/U Last 10: 5-5 (50.0%)
- O/U All Games: 28-35 (44.4%)
Blues vs Wild Prediction: St. Louis Blues -123
The St. Louis Blues open their 2025-26 season at home against the Minnesota Wild. With a strong end to their preseason, winning against teams like the Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators, the Blues seem well-prepared for the regular season. The home-ice advantage and recent form support backing the Blues at -123 for this matchup.
The Wild have made notable offseason moves, including long-term extensions for key players such as Filip Gustavsson and Kirill Kaprizov. However, they face some challenges with injuries to key forwards like Mats Zuccarello and Nico Sturm. These absences may hinder their offensive capabilities, making it tougher against a Blues team eager to start the season strong.
St. Louis has a strong history when playing as favorites, with a 15-7 record last season, indicating their reliability in such situations. Additionally, the Blues’ defense appears formidable, especially with players like Colton Parayko and Justin Faulk, which could be crucial against a weakened Wild offense.
Considering these factors, the Blues are poised to capitalize on their home advantage and recent momentum. A projected score of Blues 3 – Wild 2 supports this prediction, as the Blues leverage their depth and experience to secure the win.
- Blues vs Wild Prediction: St. Louis Blues -123
- Blues vs Wild Score: Blues 3 – Wild 2
