The Los Angeles Kings and Minnesota Wild will duke it out tonight in a battle between two teams on opposite trajectories.
Los Angeles has won five consecutive games, while Minnesota has dropped four of its last five — but my Kings vs. Wild predictions expect the script to flip, with Marco Rossi playing a key role in making that happen.
Let’s break things down further with my NHL picks for March 17.
Kings vs Wild prediction
My best bet: Marco Rossi Over 0.5 points (-115 at FanDuel)
My analysis
Marco Rossi has stepped into a larger role than expected this season due to a constant wave of injuries to key Minnesota Wild personnel up front. He's taken full advantage of the opportunity, producing 53 points through 67 games while consistently finding the scoresheet.
Rossi has registered at least one point at a solid 58% clip this season. He's only gone more than two games in a row without a point — his current drought — once all year. Rossi has a good chance of killing another point drought tonight against the Los Angeles Kings.
The Kings are good but have not fared well on the road, winning just 13 of 35 games away from Los Angeles. Those are the numbers you’d expect to see from one of the worst teams in the league, not a side competing for home ice in a playoff series.
The Kings aren’t showing any signs of improvement on the road, either. They’ve allowed 20 goals through four road games since the 4 Nations tournament concluded. Par for the course for a team that has allowed more than a full goal more per game away from their building.
After some experimentation with the lineup, head coach John Hynes has moved Rossi back up to the top line. He’s centering Matt Boldy and Mats Zuccarello on the No. 1 unit and skating on the top power play.
Rossi will be given every opportunity to take advantage of an L.A. squad that isn’t nearly as stingy on the road.
Kings vs Wild same-game parlay (SGP)
Marco Rossi Over 0.5 points
Matt Boldy Over 0.5 points
Wild moneyline
Matt Boldy’s success goes hand-in-hand with Rossi’s. They play together at 5-on-5 and the power play, and Boldy is Minnesota’s go-to shooter with Kirill Kaprizov sidelined. If Rossi gets back on track with a point, there’s a good chance Boldy is also involved.
The Wild have played better than their recent results suggest. They’ve won just once over the last five games despite posting a 52% expected goals share.
They’ve generated more than 10 expected goals along the way but scored just twice. Even factoring in the key personnel they’re missing, it’s not reasonable for a team to generate opportunities at a healthy rate yet fail to convert to that extent.
Given Los Angeles’ road struggles, perhaps a date with the Kings could help get Minnesota’s offense back on track.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Kings vs Wild odds
Kings vs Wild live odds
Kings vs Wild opening odds
- Puck line: Los Angeles -1.5 (+191) | Minnesota +1.5 (-226)
- Moneyline: Los Angeles -140 | Minnesota +124
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 | Under 5.5
Kings vs Wild trend
The Los Angeles Kings have only hit the moneyline in 16 of their last 44 away games (-20.00 Units / -33% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Kings vs. Wild.
How to watch Kings vs Wild
| Location | Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN |
| Date | Monday, 3-17-2025 |
| Puck drop | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FanDuel Sports Network-North FanDuel Sports Network-West |
Kings vs Wild latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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