Welcome back to another NHL Predictions! Each day, our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and statistics, then makes predictions based on how they might unfold. Our prediction today focuses on the game between the St. Louis Blues and the Minnesota Wild. Both teams are playing their season openers.
NHL Predictions
St. Louis Blues vs. Minnesota Wild
Time: 8:00 P.M. Daylight Time
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Midwest, FanDuel Sports Network North
2025 Season Series: Wild Won 3-1
The division rivals met four times last season. The Wild dominated the series, winning the first three before the Blues picked up a win in the final matchup. Their first matchup was notable as it included Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson scoring his first NHL goal into an empty net.
The Blues’ Story
After an impressive run to the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season, the Blues are back for more in 2025-26. The usual gang returns, with star forward Robert Thomas looking for his third-straight 80+ point season. The question is, can Thomas reach the 100-point mark?
Among the returning faces are a few new ones. Pius Suter joins the Blues after a career-best season with the Vancouver Canucks last year. Nick Bjugstad joins the team to add some depth to the bottom-six forward group. Lastly, Logan Mailloux joins the Blues, following a surprising trade in July that sent promising forward Zachary Bolduc to the Montreal Canadiens.
For Blues fans, Thursday will see the regular-season debut of the team’s new home jerseys. The jerseys are not entirely new, as they are simply variants of the heritage jersey the Blues have worn over the last few seasons, based on the jerseys worn during the 2017 Winter Classic.
The Wild’s Story
The Wild head into the new season coming off a disappointing ending to their 2025 playoff run. They were so close to possibly eliminating the Vegas Golden Knights. Instead, they went home after yet another first-round loss. The Wild have failed to advance out of the first round since the 2014-15 season.
The team will be looking to their core to get them over the hump this season. Thankfully for the organization, that core is locked up in long-term contracts. Star forward Kirill Kaprizov signed an eight-year extension to remain with the team. Furthermore, the aforementioned goal-scoring goaltender Gustavsson signed a five-year contract this past weekend.
Suiting up for the Wild in their opener will be someone familiar with playing in St. Louis. Forward Vladimir Tarasenko, who spent over ten seasons wearing the Blue Note, will make his debut with the Wild, seeking a return to his former goals-scoring self.
Prediction
Both teams want to start the season with a win over their division rival. Both have their eyes set on the playoffs. However, one team has to leave St. Louis with the loss.
The home team has an explosive start to the season. The home crowd goes home happy. The new jerseys were debuted in style.
Blues win, 7-3.
Prop Bets
The over/under is set at 5.5 goals. We are taking the over with ten goals between the two teams.
For the Blues, Jordan Kyrou comes out of the gate strong and picks up a goal. In fact, a two-goal game is on the horizon for the former Blues’ All-Star. As for the Wild, it may not be a good night for the team, but Kaprizov lights the lamp not once, but twice. Clearly, we expect the stars of both teams to light the lamp to open their season.
Main Photo: Matt Blewett- Imagn Images
The post NHL Predictions: October 9 St. Louis Blues Vs. Minnesota Wild appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.