Boston Bruins at Minnesota Wild

The goaltending matchup is the biggest reason I land on Minnesota. Jesper Wallstedt is confirmed to start, with a .916 save percentage and 2.61 goals against average across 33 starts last season. Boston’s expected starter, Michael DiPietro, stopped two shots in a 6:03 relief appearance last season and has not played this season. Boston’s opening wins came with Jeremy Swayman. Wallstedt gives me a much firmer foundation for tonight’s matchup. The schedule strengthens that advantage. Boston played overtime in Winnipeg Friday and now plays the second night of a back-to-back. Minnesota last played Thursday and returns home. I expect that turnaround to make Boston’s task harder against an offense featuring Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy and Quinn Hughes. Special teams give Minnesota another route to the win. Last season its power play converted 25.2%, while Boston’s penalty kill finished at 77.0%. Boston remains without suspended Charlie McAvoy, although both opening wins already came without him. Minnesota likewise won its opener without injured Brock Faber. Those absences are established conditions, and Minnesota still has the available personnel I prefer in this matchup. The -205 price demands a strong case. Boston’s scoring talent keeps my confidence measured, but Minnesota’s confirmed goalie, favorable turnaround and power play matchup make the Wild my bet.