NHL Predictions: March 17, Chicago Blackhawks vs Minnesota Wild

Welcome back to this edition of NHL Predictions! In this one, the Chicago Blackhawks return home to take on the Minnesota Wild. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey analyze the day’s games and provide in-depth analysis. We break down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then make predictions based on how they might play out. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.

NHL Predictions: Chicago Blackhawks vs Minnesota Wild

Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

Season Series: Wild lead 2-0

How to Watch: TNT, HBO Max, FDSN NOX, FDSN WIX, SN360

Location: United Center

Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks take on Kirill Kaprizov and the rival Minnesota Wild.

The first two matchups between these two teams finished with 4-3 Wild victories in extra time. In the first matchup, Jason Dickinson and Connor Bedard gave the Hawks a 2-0 lead before the Wild battled back to force overtime on a Matt Boldy marker. Kirill Kaprizov netted the overtime winner, helping Filip Gustavsson earn the win after a 34-save performance. The second meeting is one Chicago is hoping to forget. Teuvo Teravainen, Ryan Donato and Ilya Mikheyev gave the Hawks a 3-0 lead. Minnesota responded with goals from Yakov Trenin, Joel Eriksson Ek and Jared Spurgeon to even the score. Kaprizov netted the shootout winner, which gave Jesper Wallstedt the victory this time around. The Wild are aiming to capture the season series tonight.

Blackhawks Looking to Get Over Minnesota Hump

The Hawks are looking to move past the results of their first two games against the Wild. They come into this one fresh off a 4-0 loss in Vegas, but did earn points in three straight before that. Of late, Frank Nazar has come to life. In what has been a relatively disappointing season, highlighted by his midseason injury, seeing Nazar with seven points in the last five games is a big positive for the Hawks. Nazar is a key contributor, and seeing some relief off the shoulders of Bedard is a welcome sight. The Hawks’ offence has flowed as of late, as Teravainen and Tyler Bertuzzi have also chipped in. Head coach Jeff Blashill will need all of his guys to come out victorious.

The Hawks have had a tendency to hang close with some of the top teams in the NHL. We know their success against the Stars and  Mammoth, but they have hung in with Minnesota. They are looking to earn the victory this time around and be rewarded for their efforts. To do so, Spencer Knight will have to give them a solid performance. He was in the net against Vegas, but this is an opportunity for redemption. As always, be sure to check social media before puck drop for lineups and starting goaltender information. 

Wild Looking to Keep Pace in Central Division

The Wild come into this one sputtering a bit of late. They have lost three straight, most recently to the Maple Leafs on Sunday night. The team fell behind 3-0 and seemed to be in for a long night. Vladimir Tarasenko netted two markers in the third period, but it was ultimately not enough. Mats Zuccarello and Ryan Hartman assisted on both goals, which snapped Hartman’s one goal in an eight-game stretch. Wallstedt was between the pipes on Sunday, so Gustavsson should be back in the net tonight.

Minnesota has fallen six points behind the red-hot Stars in the Central Division. Unfortunately, Minnesota is tied for fourth in the league in points, but sits behind two teams in its own division. It can not be overstated how crucial points are for the Wild to keep pace and earn home ice advantage. Quinn Hughes has continued to be a dominant force, with five assists in his last five games. Head coach John Hynes would like to see his team pick up a massive two points tonight.

Game Prediction

Even with the Blackhawks’ success against the league’s top teams, this game is too crucial for the Wild to overlook. Expect Minnesota to pick up two points in the Windy City.

Prediction: Wild win 3-2

Prop Bets

Connor Bedard Anytime Goal (+170)

Mats Zuccarello Anytime Goal (+290)

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