The Xcel Energy Center is playing host a Central Division tilt as the Colorado Avalanche travel to Minnesota to face the Wild. It’s the fourth and last time that these two clubs will meet in the regular season. NBC Sports Network will showcase the matchup, and the action gets underway at 8:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 13.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Minnesota Wild Odds
Minnesota (+145) is playing the role of underdog to Minnesota (-165), and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at 6 goals (-125 under, +105 over).
The Wild are 39-30 straight up (SU) and have earned 2.0 units for moneyline bettors this year. That win percentage, ranked third in the Central Division so far in the early season, isn’t too far off from to what the team posted during last year’s regular season (49-33). Through 69 regular season outings, 36 of the team’s games have gone over the total, while 30 have gone under and just three have pushed. The team is 24-11 SU at home this season.
Minnesota’s converted on 21.4 percent of its power play opportunities this season, a mark that’s good enough for ninth-best in the NHL. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked 19th overall, and it’s successfully killed off 79.8 percent of all penalties.
As a team, Minnesota has been called for penalties 3.8 times per game overall this season, and 2.8 per game over its past ten outings. The team’s had to kill penalties for just 5.9 minutes per game over its last 10 matchups, in total.
Averaging 27.3 saves per game with a .917 save percentage, Devan Dubnyk (31-19-5) has been the primary goalkeeper for the Wild this season. If they choose to rest him, however, the team may roll with Alex Stalock (9-16-16 record, .912 save percentage, 2.83 goals against average).
Eric Staal and Mikael Granlund will both look to continue their strong seasons for the Wild. Staal (68 points) has put up 37 goals and 31 assists and has recorded multiple points on 17 different occasions this year. Granlund has 19 goals and 38 assists to his name and has notched at least one point in 36 games.
Colorado is 36-32 straight up (SU) and has earned moneyline bettors 8.7 units this season. Through 68 regular season outings, 37 of its games have gone over the total, while 27 have gone under and just four have pushed. Colorado’s 12-22 SU as the visiting team this season.
Colorado has converted on 20.6 percent of its power play opportunities this season, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked third overall and it’s successfully killed off 83.4 percent of all opponent power plays.
Colorado’s skaters have been penalized 4.1 times per game this season, 4.4 per game over their last five games total, and 3.6 per game over their last five road outings. The team has been forced to defend opponent power plays 8.8 minutes per game over their last five road outings.
Semyon Varlamov (.913 save percentage and 2.85 goals against average) has been the primary option in goal for Colorado. Varlamov is averaging 28.0 saves per game and has 20 wins, 22 losses, and six OT losses to his credit.
Nathan MacKinnon (32 goals, 49 assists) has been one of the most vital offensive playmakers for the visiting Avalanche.
Colorado Avalanche at Minnesota Wild Free Picks
Prediction: SU Winner – Wild, O/U – Under
Betting Notes
- Minnesota (3-2 in shootouts) has more shootout experience coming into this one. Colorado has only participated in two shootouts this year, winning one and losing the other.
- The total has gone over in three of Minnesota’s last five games.
- Minnesota’s attempted 30.4 shots per contest overall this season (ranked 25th in the NHL), and 34.0 in their last five home games.
- Five of Colorado’s last ten games have been decided by two goals or more. The team is 4-1 in those games.
