The Minnesota Wild have given up a lot of offense to defensemen this season. Luke Hughes took full advantage of that last time out, recording three shots while also hitting the score sheet.
My Wild vs. Devils predictions see Hughes replicating that performance with another productive offensive showing.
Let’s dive into my NHL picks for March 31.
Wild vs Devils prediction
My best bet: Luke Hughes Over 1.5 shots (-114 at FanDuel)
My analysis
Luke Hughes has taken on extra responsibility since Dougie Hamilton suffered a season-ending injury, with his average ice time jumping from 20.5 minutes to 23 per night.
A chunk of that extra usage comes on the power play, with the dynamic sophomore taking over as the quarterback on the No. 1 unit. That is an ideal situation to generate shots.
As such, it makes sense Hughes has seen an uptick in shot attempt volume of late. While there has not been a massive spike, Hughes is averaging nearly five attempts per game without Hamilton. That’s solid volume for someone carrying a 1.5 shot total.
Hughes is coming off one of his best shooting performances of the season, piling up seven attempts and three shots on target in his last game, which just so happened to be against the Minnesota Wild.
That Hughes excelled in Minnesota is hardly surprising. The Wild have bled shots to defensemen for the entire season and are showing no signs of improvement in that regard.
Only the Anaheim Ducks have allowed more shots to defenders this year, while no team has given up more spanning the last 10 games.
It’s also worth noting the Wild rank 27th and 30th in shots allowed to Hughes’ two primary shooting zones over the last 10 games, according to Props.cash.
This is a mouthwatering matchup for Hughes — one he’s already proven capable of exploiting. Expect him to do so again Monday night.
Wild vs Devils same-game parlay (SGP)
Luke Hughes Over 1.5 shots
Luke Hughes Over 0.5 points
Timo Meier Over 0.5 points
Hughes has tallied 11 points through 11 games, including six over the last four. He should have ample shooting opportunities against this Wild team, which increases the likelihood of hitting the score sheet.
The New Jersey Devils also figure to control the run of play as the Wild rank 29th in 5-on-5 shot share over the last 10 games.
If the Devils are spending a lot of even-strength play on the front foot, and the top power play is running through Hughes, there is real point potential.
Timo Meier is another player benefiting from key injuries in New Jersey’s lineup. He leads the Devils (by far) in attempts, shots, and scoring chances since Jack Hughes went down. Meier has the production to show for it, ranking second on the team in goals during that span.
He is a high-end talent seeing high-end usage on the top line and power play. Having come up empty-handed in three straight games, I see Meier getting back on the scoresheet in this one.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Wild vs Devils odds
Wild vs Devils live odds
Wild vs Devils opening odds
- Puck line: Minnesota +1.5 (-200) | New Jersey -1.5 (+165)
- Moneyline: Minnesota +130 | New Jersey -155
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (+110) | Under 5.5 (-130)
Wild vs Devils trend
Luke Hughes has averaged six shot attempts over his last six games. Find more NHL betting trends for Wild vs. Devils.
How to watch Wild vs Devils
| Location | Prudential Center, Newark, NJ |
| Date | Monday, 3-31-2025 |
| Puck drop | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | NHLN |
Wild vs Devils latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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