Penguins vs Wild Prediction, Odds & Best Bets | NHL Bets (2/9): Fleury Faces Former Team

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It’s a quiet day around the NHL as only three hockey games are scheduled for Friday, Feb. 9. The night kicks off with a big inter-conference clash when the Pittsburgh Penguins (23-17-7) go head-to-head with the Minnesota Wild (22-23-5) at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Honoring a legend of the game and a huge part of Penguins history 🌸

We are thrilled to be part of 'Marc-Andre Fleury Night', a game commemorating the netminder's 1,000+ @NHL games played and second-most wins among NHL goaltenders.

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 9, 2024

The Penguins aim for their third win in a row tonight after Tristan Jarry turned aside all 23 shots he faced in Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. On the other side, the Wild return home following a 2-1 win against the Chicago Blackhawks that saw Vinni Lettieri tally his second and third assists of the season.

These clubs have a long way to go to join the Stanley Cup contender conversation. Pittsburgh is currently tied for the 14th-best Stanley Cup Final odds (+3300) while Minnesota ranks 23rd (+10000), per BetOnline’s futures markets.

As usual, there is no shortage of betting opportunities in this contest, so let’s get into my Penguins vs. Wild predictions and best bets.

Penguins vs Wild NHL Betting Tonight (2/9)

Penguins vs Wild Matchup Information

• Matchup: Pittsburgh Penguins (23-17-7, 10-9-4 Away) vs. Minnesota Wild (22-23-5, 12-11-3 Home)
• Venue & Location: Xcel Energy Center (St. Paul, MN)
• Date: Friday, Feb. 9, 2024
• Game Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Time
• How to Watch Penguins vs. Wild: ESPN+

Wild vs Penguins NHL Betting Odds

Wild vs. Penguins odds are courtesy of Bovada as of Friday, Feb. 9 at 10:48 a.m. ET. Odds from other top online sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.

Penguins vs Wild Puck Line

• Pittsburgh Penguins -1.5 (+200)
• Minnesota Wild +1.5 (-240)

Wild vs Penguins Over/Under

• Over 6 Goals (-106)
• Under 6 Goals (-110)

Penguins vs Wild Moneyline

• Pittsburgh Penguins (-129)
• Minnesota Wild (+115)

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• Pittsburgh is 5-11 straight up in its last 16 road games.
• Minnesota is 2-8 straight up in its last 10 home games.
• The total hit the Under in six of Pittsburgh’s last seven games.
• The total hit the Over in six of Minnesota’s last seven games vs. the Eastern Conference.
• The total hit the Over in six of the last seven Minnesota-Pittsburgh matchups.

Penguins vs Wild Prediction & Pick (2/9): Can Minny Win for Fleury?

As these teams prepare to collide tonight, Marc-André Fleury is the center of attention. After all, the Wild are honoring the veteran goaltender for hitting 1,000 games played in his career and for surpassing Patrick Roy for the second-most wins all-time with 552.

The night is made even more special by the fact that Fleury spent the majority of his early career with the Penguins. He played over 800 total games in a Pittsburgh jersey, becoming a multi-time All-Star as he played a role in three Stanley Cup wins with the franchise.

Having said that, the 39-year-old hasn’t had a ton of success against his former club since leaving in 2017. Fleury has faced the Penguins eight times since then, going 4-4-0 with a 3.19 goals-against average, .900 save percentage, and one shutout victory.

Fleury also hasn’t played a game since Jan. 19, so it’ll be interesting to see if there’s any rust. He’s 2-4-1 with a 2.59 GAA, .905 SV%, and one shutout in his last nine appearances.

All eyes are on Marc-André Fleury to see if he can beat his former team, the Penguins, tonight.

If the Wild want to win for Fleury tonight, though, a stronger effort at home is needed. While playing at home, in theory, should provide an advantage, the Wild are 2-8 SU in their last 10 outings at Xcel Energy Center. Special teams have been a big part of those struggles, highlighted by a 16.1% power-play percentage (5-for-31) and 75.0% penalty kill success rate (21-for-28) during that stretch.

At the same time, the Penguins are struggling to produce results on the road, going 5-10 SU in their last 15 away games while losing three straight. Their power play has operated at a putrid 10.4% success rate in those games, however, the penalty kill was a decent 80.9%.

As far as the recent history between these clubs goes, the Penguins have had the Wild’s number, winning nine of the last 10 encounters. In fact, Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last five trips to Xcel Energy Center, outscoring Minnesota 22-15 on aggregate.

Do the Wild have what it takes to beat the Penguins at home for the first time since 2021?

Although I know the Wild would love to win this game for Fleury, I’m backing the Penguins on the road. Pittsburgh is coming off back-to-back solid victories, providing some much-needed momentum. The Penguins have also proven that Xcel Energy Center is somewhat of a second home to them, which has a good chance of continuing considering how poor the Wild have played at home lately.

I’m going to keep things simple with the best bet, though, and back the Penguins to win outright. There’s some decent value at -129 odds on the moneyline and the Pens have proven time and time again that they have the Wild’s number.

Penguins vs Wild Prediction: PIT wins

Best Penguins vs Wild NHL Bet: PIT ML (-129)

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Best Penguins vs Wild NHL Player Prop (2/9)

Do you know who loves playing against the Wild? Sidney Crosby. That’s why I’m taking him as an anytime goal scorer for the best Penguins vs. Wild prop.

Crosby has found the back of the net in five of his last seven games against the Wild, racking up six goals during that span — including when he scored against them on Dec. 18. He’s also scored in three of his last four trips to Xcel Energy Center.

Crosby also hasn’t scored in his last three games this season, so one could make the argument that he’s due. Don’t be surprised if it happens in Minnesota tonight.