Minnesota Wild vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction – Wild to Continue Hot Streak

Minnesota Wild vs Columbus Blue Jackets prediction for December 18. Wild to continue hot streak behind elite defense and goaltending at -120.

Betting Tips

by The Tipster

2 months ago 0 203

Minnesota Wild vs Columbus Blue Jackets prediction

Minnesota Wild -120
7 Units
Bookmaker: Coolbet
Game time: Thursday, December 18 – 7:00 PM EST

Minnesota Wild vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction

The Minnesota Wild travel to Nationwide Arena to face the Columbus Blue Jackets in a matchup that heavily favors the visitors based on current form, defensive structure, and goaltending stability. With Minnesota riding one of the strongest stretches in the NHL, this spot sets up well for a road victory.

This Minnesota Wild vs Columbus Blue Jackets prediction focuses on why the Wild are the right side at -120.

Why Minnesota Wild -120 Is the Play

Minnesota enters this game with a 20-9-5 record, firmly positioned near the top of the Central Division. More importantly, the Wild are playing their best hockey of the season right now, winning five straight games and outscoring opponents 23–7 during that stretch.

Their most recent wins include dominant performances against Washington (5–0), Boston (6–2), and Dallas (5–2), showing that this form is not opponent-dependent.

The Minnesota Wild vs Columbus Blue Jackets prediction is built on current momentum, not season averages.

Elite Defense and Goaltending Edge

Minnesota ranks among the league’s best defensive teams, allowing just 2.53 goals per game. Jesper Wallstedt gets the start and has been exceptional this season:

9–1–2 record
1.95 GAA
.937 save percentage

Columbus counters with Jet Greaves, who has been serviceable but far less consistent, especially behind a defense allowing 3.46 goals per game, one of the weaker marks in the league.

This clear goaltending edge heavily supports the Minnesota Wild vs Columbus Blue Jackets prediction.

Columbus Struggling to Contain Quality Teams

The Blue Jackets are 3-4-3 over their last 10 games and have lost four of their last five overall. While they can score in bursts, their defensive lapses remain a major concern, particularly against structured teams like Minnesota.

Columbus has also struggled against teams that control tempo and suppress high-danger chances — exactly what the Wild excel at.

Special Teams and Discipline Advantage

Minnesota owns a 23.1% power play, while Columbus sits at 18.5%. Defensively, the Blue Jackets’ penalty kill is just 72.8%, creating further opportunities for Minnesota to capitalize.

Minnesota’s discipline and structured five-on-five play continue to separate them from mid-table teams like Columbus.

Head-to-Head Context

While Columbus won the first meeting 7–4 earlier this season, that game now looks like an outlier. Minnesota’s lineup, goaltending usage, and defensive execution have significantly tightened since that matchup.

Current form strongly outweighs early-season results in this Minnesota Wild vs Columbus Blue Jackets prediction.