Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Minnesota Wild Prediction, Odds, NHL Picks [1/4/2024]

The Minnesota Wild will square off with the Tampa Bay Lightning in NHL action at Xcel Energy Center on Thursday, beginning at 8:00PM ET.

Dimers.com's full betting preview for Thursday's Lightning vs. Wild matchup includes the latest betting odds, as well as our predictions and picks for the game.

Lightning vs. Wild Prediction: Who Will Win, Cover the Spread

We have used trusted machine learning and statistics to simulate the result of Thursday's NHL matchup between the Lightning and Wild 10,000 times, in keeping with our coverage of NHL predictions.

Our popular predictive analytics model gives the Lightning a 52% chance of defeating the Wild.

According to our model, the Wild (+1.5) have a 68% chance of covering the puck line, while the 6-goal Over/Under has a 51% chance of going over.

To make the most of today's Tampa Bay vs. Minnesota betting preview, check out the best sportsbook promos currently available in your state.

Lightning vs. Wild Odds

We have sourced the best betting odds in America for this game, which are listed here:

Bet Type	Lightning	Wild
Puck Line	-1.5 (+185)	+1.5 (-220)
Moneyline	-130	+114
Total	o6 (-118)	u6 (+100)

• The Wild are +1.5 underdogs against the Lightning, with -220 at FanDuel Sportsbook the best odds currently available.
• For the favored Lightning (-1.5) to cover the puck line, DraftKings Sportsbook has the best odds currently on offer at +185.
• DraftKings currently has the best moneyline odds for the Wild at +114. That means you can bet $100 to profit $114, earning a total payout of $214, if they win.
• Meanwhile, BetMGM Sportsbook currently has the best moneyline odds for the Lightning at -130, where you can risk $130 to win $100 for a total payout of $230 if they come out on top.
• The Over/Under sits at 6 with DraftKings, which currently has the best odds for the Over at -118, while BetMGM currently has the best odds for the Under at +100.

All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

As always, make sure you check the sports betting sites you have access to in your state for the best NHL odds and lines.

Lightning vs. Wild Picks

By comparing our predictions to the odds listed above, we have identified the best betting picks to place on this game:

Bet Type	Our Pick	Best Odds
Puck Line	Wild +1.5	-220
Moneyline	Wild	+114
Total	Under 6	+100

While the Lightning are more likely to win the game, taking the Wild moneyline is the best option due to the 1.3% edge identified when comparing our data-led probabilities to the betting odds currently available.

Taking advantage of the edges seen on Dimers is pivotal to being profitable in the long run.

Furthermore, despite the Over being more likely to hit on this occasion, Under 6 is our best bet owing to the better odds (+100) that are available from BetMGM.

Our NHL best bets are based on complex simulations and gambling expertise to serve you the best possible plays every time.

Lightning vs. Wild Player Props

Who will score the first goal in Lightning vs. Wild?

According to our model, Minnesota's Matt Boldy is most likely to score the first goal in Lightning vs. Wild.

Our projections give Boldy a 9.7% chance of scoring the first goal at Xcel Energy Center, while the Wild star is a 43.7% chance of registering an anytime goal.

First Goal Scorer Predictions

Tampa Bay Lightning

Player	First Goal Probability
Nikita Kucherov	8.0%
Brayden Point	7.5%
Steven Stamkos	6.9%
Brandon Hagel	5.5%
Nick Paul	3.7%

Minnesota Wild

Player	First Goal Probability
Matt Boldy	9.7%
Joel Ek	7.1%
Ryan Hartman	5.7%
Marcus Johansson	5.2%
Frederick Gaudreau	3.7%

Anytime Goal Scorer Predictions

Tampa Bay Lightning

Player	Anytime Goal Probability
Nikita Kucherov	39.6%
Brayden Point	37.7%
Steven Stamkos	34.8%
Brandon Hagel	27.0%
Nick Paul	21.5%

Minnesota Wild

Player	Anytime Goal Probability
Matt Boldy	43.7%
Joel Ek	36.2%
Ryan Hartman	31.8%
Marcus Johansson	25.8%
Frederick Gaudreau	22.0%
Remember, our model updates regularly, so check this article for the latest betting analysis ahead of the Lightning vs. Wild on Thursday January 4, 2024.

Lightning vs. Wild Game Information

Thursday's game between the Wild and Lightning at Xcel Energy Center is scheduled to start at 8:00PM ET.

• Who: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Minnesota Wild
• Date: Thursday January 4, 2024
• Time: 8:00PM ET / 5:00PM PT
• Venue: Xcel Energy Center

Our full betting coverage of Lightning vs. Wild includes pregame predictions, betting picks, and live win probabilities.

How to Bet on Lightning vs. Wild

Looking to join an online sportsbook and start betting on the NHL? Check out the best sportsbook offers in your state.

Conclusion

This preview article has been partially generated using automated processes and AI technology. Our goal is to provide timely and accurate updates on Thursday's Lightning vs. Wild game, and automation assists in data collection, analysis, and formatting. Human editing and quality control are performed to ensure the content meets our editorial standards.

Dimers' picks are based on 10,000 simulations per game, using reliable and up-to-date data sources and analytical methods. While our Lightning vs. Wild predictions can help you make informed decisions, it's crucial that you gamble responsibly and manage your bankroll effectively.

For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.

When you click or tap on a link on Dimers that leads to a third-party website that we have a commercial relationship with (such as a sportsbook), we may receive a referral fee at no additional cost to you.

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