Wild vs. Predators prediction favors Minnesota to win Thursday's NHL matchup [10/1/2026]

Using powerful machine learning and data, we have re-simulated the outcome of Thursday's NHL matchup between the Wild and Predators, forming part of our NHL predictions coverage.

Our independent predictive model currently gives the Wild a 55.6% chance of defeating the Predators. According to our model, the Predators (+1.5) have a 65.9% chance of covering the puck line, while the over/under total of 6.5 goals has a 54.6% chance of staying under.

Latest betting odds

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

• Puck Line: Wild -1.5 (+180) / Predators +1.5 (-190)
• Moneyline: Wild -141, Predators +125
• Total: Over/Under 6.5 (+120/-125)

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

Model picks and best bet

After matching our predictions against the best current odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets in this matchup. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:

• Puck line: Predators +1.5 @ -190 via BetMGM
• Moneyline: Predators @ +125 via bet365
• Total: Over 6.5 @ +120 via ESPN BET

According to our NHL best bets, the top play to make on this game is Predators +1.5 at the spread.

These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the current available odds.

Wild vs. Predators player props

Who will score a goal in Wild vs. Predators?

According to our model, Kirill Kaprizov is most likely to score an anytime goal in Wild vs. Predators.

Our projections give Kaprizov a 45.8% chance of scoring a goal at Bridgestone Arena, while the star is a 9.3% chance of netting the first goal the game.

Anytime goal scorer predictions

Minnesota Wild

• Kirill Kaprizov: 45.8% probability
• Matt Boldy: 39.6% probability
• Ryan Hartman: 25.3% probability
• Joel Ek: 24.1% probability
• Blake Coleman: 23.3% probability

Nashville Predators

• Steven Stamkos: 36.5% probability
• Filip Forsberg: 36.0% probability
• Ryan O'Reilly: 25.3% probability
• Matthew Wood: 22.7% probability
• Jonathan Marchessault: 20.1% probability

First goal scorer predictions

Minnesota Wild

• Kirill Kaprizov: 9.3% probability
• Matt Boldy: 8.0% probability
• Ryan Hartman: 4.4% probability
• Joel Ek: 4.3% probability
• Blake Coleman: 3.8% probability

Nashville Predators

• Steven Stamkos: 7.4% probability
• Filip Forsberg: 7.0% probability
• Ryan O'Reilly: 4.1% probability
• Matthew Wood: 4.1% probability
• Jonathan Marchessault: 3.5% probability

Game info & puck drop details

Thursday's matchup between the Predators and Wild at Bridgestone Arena is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM ET.

• Who: Minnesota Wild vs. Nashville Predators
• Date: Thursday, October 1, 2026
• Time: 8:00 PM ET/5:00PM PT
• Venue: Bridgestone Arena

Conclusion

We predict the Wild, with a 55.6% win probability, will likely beat the Predators in Thursday's NHL matchup.

Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.

This article's predictions and probabilities are generated by Dimers' proprietary NHL prediction model. Our editorial team reviews the resulting content for accuracy and presentation before publication.