The Vegas Golden Knights visit the Minnesota Wild on Monday, October 12, in an early matchup between teams with winning records. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Central Time at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul.
Game Details
- Matchup: Vegas Golden Knights at Minnesota Wild
- Date: Monday, October 12, 2026
- Time: 7:00 p.m. CT
- Venue: Grand Casino Arena, St. Paul, Minnesota
The game remains scheduled, according to the Wild’s official game preview. Minnesota is returning home after a three-game road trip, while the available scheduling information indicates that the teams enter with comparable rest.
Matchup Breakdown
Vegas brings the stronger record at 5-1-0, compared with Minnesota’s 3-1-1 mark. The Golden Knights have also produced more offense, averaging approximately 3.67 goals per game while allowing 2.33. Minnesota has averaged 3.00 goals and conceded only 1.80 per game.
Those early numbers create a compelling contrast. Vegas has the better scoring rate, but Minnesota has been more effective at limiting opponents. The Wild also hold the statistical advantage on special teams. Their power play is operating at 37.5%, and their penalty kill is at 94.1%. Vegas has still been dangerous with the extra skater at 30.4%, although its 81.3% penalty kill trails Minnesota’s rate. Those figures are available in the official Minnesota preview.
Special teams could be decisive if the game produces frequent penalties. Minnesota has shown the ability both to convert power plays and deny opposing opportunities, but Vegas is capable of making the Wild pay for mistakes. At five-on-five, the Golden Knights’ superior scoring average and 5-1-0 start make them difficult to dismiss as a road underdog.
Goalies and Injury Watch
Projected Vegas starter: Carter Hart. His assignment was listed as projected rather than confirmed, with Adin Hill also available. Confirmed Minnesota starter: Jesper Wallstedt, with Calvin Pickard listed as the backup. Goaltending plans can change before warmups, particularly on the Vegas side, so bettors should check the final lineup.
Vegas lists Victor Olofsson with a lower-body injury, with an expected return around October 20, according to the CBS Sports game preview.
Minnesota has the longer injury list. The Wild’s preview lists Nick Foligno with an upper-body injury, Brock Faber with a skull fracture and Filip Gustavsson with a lower-body injury. Marcus Foligno and Zach Bogosian are listed as day-to-day with lower-body injuries. Their final availability is unconfirmed, and any late changes could affect Minnesota’s depth and defensive structure.
Odds and Betting Considerations
Odds reported by AgentBets.ai, checked October 11, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. UTC, showed Vegas at +100 through Fanatics and FanDuel. Minnesota was -110 at BetUS and BetOnline.ag.
DraftKings listed Vegas +1.5 at -245 and Minnesota -1.5 at +200. The total was 5.5, with FanDuel offering over 5.5 at -132 and DraftKings posting under 5.5 at +114. Prices may move before puck drop, so any wager should be evaluated against the current number rather than the archived line.
The moneyline is more appealing than laying 1.5 goals with Minnesota. The Wild have allowed only 1.80 goals per game, but their injury concerns and Vegas’ offensive production make a multi-goal Minnesota victory difficult to price confidently. The total also presents conflicting signals: both power plays have started well, while Minnesota’s defensive and penalty-killing numbers point toward a tighter game.
Prediction
Pick: Minnesota Wild moneyline at -110, as listed by BetUS and BetOnline.ag when checked.
This is a narrow lean rather than a high-confidence selection. Minnesota’s home ice, lower goals-against rate and substantial special-teams advantage provide the clearest case for the Wild. A confirmed start for Wallstedt also gives Minnesota more pregame certainty in net than Vegas’ projected plan.
The main uncertainty is Minnesota’s injury situation. Faber’s absence and the unconfirmed status of Marcus Foligno and Bogosian could weaken the home side’s depth, while Vegas enters with the better record and higher scoring average. Expect a competitive game in which Minnesota’s special teams provide just enough separation, with a projected 3-2 Wild victory.
