The Xcel Energy Center plays host to an intriguing matchup as the Chicago Blackhawks travel to Minnesota to meet the Wild. It’s the fourth and final time that the two clubs will go at it in the regular season. The puck drops at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 2, and you can witness this divisional matchup live on NBC.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Minnesota Wild Odds
This matchup’s moneyline and Over/Under odds have not been posted by oddsmakers yet.
Losing 4.1 units for moneyline gamblers, the Wild are 26-25 straight up (SU) overall this year. That win percentage, the third-best in the Central Division so far in this young season, is fairly close to what the team posted during last year’s regular season (45-37). Of its 51 regular season outings, 24 have gone under the total, while 21 have gone over and just five have pushed. Thus far, the team’s 13-12 SU at home.
Minnesota’s converted on 21.3 percent of its power play opportunities this season, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked second overall, and it’s successfully killed off 84.3 percent of all penalties.
Minnesota, as a collective unit, has been penalized 3.7 times per game overall this season, 3.2 per game over its last five outings total, and 3.4 per game over its last five at home. The team has had to kill penalties for just 6.6 minutes per game over its last 10 outings, overall.
Averaging 25.7 saves per game with a .914 save percentage, Devan Dubnyk (21 wins, 21 losses, and three OT losses) has been the primary option in goal for the Wild this season. Dubnyk did just play last night, however, so the team may opt to rest him and turn to Alex Stalock instead (6-8-8 record, .894 save percentage, 2.92 goals against average).
The Wild will continue looking for offensive production via Zach Parise and Mikael Granlund. Parise (44 points) has tallied 20 goals and 24 assists and has recorded multiple points 10 times this year. Granlund has 12 goals and 30 assists to his name and has recorded a point in 28 games.
Chicago has lost 10.2 units for moneyline bettors this year and is currently 19-33 straight up (SU). A total of 30 of its contests have gone over the total, while 18 have gone under the total and just three have pushed. Chicago’s 9-17 SU as the road team this season.
Chicago has converted on 19.7 percent of its power play chances this year, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 32nd overall and it’s successfully killed off 73.8 percent of all opponent power plays.
Chicago’s players have been penalized only 3.3 times per game in total this season, 3.4 per game over their past five match ups total, and 3.0 per game over their last five games as the visiting team. The team has had to kill penalties just 6.7 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Corey Crawford (.902 save percentage and 3.28 goals against average) has been the primary option in goal for Chicago. Crawford is averaging 28.3 saves per game and has six wins, 17 losses, and two overtime losses to his credit.
Patrick Kane (31 goals, 44 assists) will pace the attack for the visiting Blackhawks.
Chicago Blackhawks at Minnesota Wild Free Picks
Prediction: SU Winner – Wild, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
- Each team is 1-1 in games decided by shootout.
- The over has hit in four of Chicago’s last five outings.
- Chicago has attempted 31.3 shots per game overall this season (ranked 17th in the NHL), and 29.8 in its last 10 games.
- Over Chicago’s last ten games, four of them have been decided by two or more goals (the team is 3-1 in those games).
- Chicago skaters notched 16.8 hits per game last season, while the Wild accounted for 16.9 hits per contest.
