Minnesota Wild vs Los Angeles Kings Betting Pick & Prediction for NHL on 1/3
The Minnesota Wild will travel to the Crypto.com Arena to take on the Los Angeles Kings. The game is set for Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 9:00 PM and will be broadcast on ESPN+. The Wild, with a record of 24-11-7, aim to maintain their strong performance in the Western Central Division.
On the other side, the Kings hold a 16-14-9 record in the Western Pacific Division. They look to improve their standing with a win at home. With both teams eager for victory, fans can expect an exciting game in Los Angeles.
Wild vs Kings Game Day Info
- Sport: NHL
- Teams: Minnesota Wild vs Los Angeles Kings
- Venue: Crypto.com Arena
- Date: Saturday, January 3, 2026
- Betting Odds: Los Angeles Kings -134, Minnesota Wild +111
Minnesota Wild Team Preview
The Minnesota Wild have had mixed results in their recent games. They lost to the San Jose Sharks 4-3, despite scoring three goals. Their skaters managed 23 shots on goal, but no power-play goals.
In a strong showing against the Vegas Golden Knights, the Wild won 5-2. They had 27 shots on goal and their defense blocked 20 shots. Key skaters like Marcus Johansson contributed with a goal and three assists.
Matt Boldy and Kirill Kaprizov are leading the team in points this season. Both players have accumulated 47 points each in 41 games. The team ranks 9th in goals with 126 this season, showcasing their offensive capabilities.
Los Angeles Kings Team Preview
The Los Angeles Kings recently faced the Tampa Bay Lightning and lost 5-3. They managed 20 shots on goal and scored two power play goals. Corey Perry stood out with three assists, while Andrei Kuzmenko and Jeff Malott each scored a goal.
In their game against the Colorado Avalanche, the Kings were defeated 5-2. They recorded 25 shots on goal and one power play goal. Joel Armia and Corey Perry were the goal scorers, with Adrian Kempe contributing an assist and five shots on goal.
The Kings’ most significant recent victory came against the Anaheim Ducks, where they won 6-1. Alex Laferriere was impressive with a hat trick, and Anze Kopitar added three assists. Quinton Byfield also contributed with a goal and an assist in this dominant performance.
BTB Betting Pick
The Los Angeles Kings are the favorites with a moneyline of -134. They have a strong record in goals against, ranked 3rd, which suggests a solid defense. The Minnesota Wild, with a moneyline of +111, are the underdogs. Given the defensive stats, the Kings are the recommended pick to win, with a projected score of 3-2.
The current line for the total is set at 6.0. The Kings and Wild have shown good defensive stats, with both teams ranking high in goals against. This points to a lower-scoring game. The under 6.0 at -123 is the recommended pick, with a projected total of 5 goals.