The Xcel Energy Center will be the site for a Western Conference clash as the Anaheim Ducks head north to to take on the Minnesota Wild. Fox Sports North will air the matchup, and the opening face-off is at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 17.
Anaheim Ducks at Minnesota Wild Odds
Losing -0.7 units for moneyline bettors, the Wild are 31-26 straight up (SU) overall thus far. That early-season winning percentage is a regression from the 49-33 record that the team posted during the 2016-17 season campaign. Through 57 regular season matches, 30 of its games have gone over the total, while 25 have gone under and just two have pushed. The teams 20-10 SU at home this season.
Minnesota has converted on 21.4 percent of its power play chances this year, a mark that’s good enough for 10th-best in the NHL. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked 16th overall, and it’s successfully killed off 80.7 percent of all penalties.
As a team, Minnesota has been whistled for penalties 4.0 times per game overall this season, and 2.9 per game over its last ten outings. The team has had to kill penalties for just 6.4 minutes per game over its last 10 matchups, in total.
Averaging 27.8 saves per game with a .918 save percentage, Devan Dubnyk (24-16-4) has been the top option in goal for the Wild this season. If the Wild decide to give him the day off, however, the team might turn to Alex Stalock (8-14-14 record, .914 save percentage, 2.77 goals against average).
Eric Staal and Mikael Granlund will each lead the offensive attack for the Wild. Staal (52 points) has put up 26 goals and 26 assists and has recorded multiple points on 14 different occasions this year. Granlund has 15 goals and 29 assists to his credit and has recorded at least one point in 28 contests.
On the other side of the ice, Anaheim is 28-31 straight up (SU) and has lost 3.7 units for bettors taking the moneyline this year. Through 59 regular season matches, 36 of its games have gone under the total, while 22 have gone over and just one has pushed. Anaheim’s 13-18 SU as the away team this season.
Anaheim has converted on just 17.2 percent of its power play opportunities this year, a mark that’s ranked 25th in the NHL. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 16th overall and it’s successfully killed off 81.2 percent of all penalties.
Anaheim’s players have been penalized 4.5 times per game this season, and 3.2 per game over their past five contests. The teams had to defend opponent power plays just 8.0 minutes per game over their last five outings.
John Gibson (29.5 saves per game) has been the primary option in goal for Anaheim. Gibson has 21 wins, 23 losses, and seven overtime losses to his credit, while registering a .923 save percentage and 2.57 goals against average this year.
Leading the offensive attack for the visiting Ducks will be Rickard Rakell, who has 22 goals and 24 assists on the year.
Anaheim Ducks at Minnesota Wild Betting Predictions
Free NHL Pick: SU Winner – Wild, O/U – Under
Betting Notes
- Two of Anaheim’s last ten games have been decided by a shootout. The team is 1-1 in those games and 3-6 overall in shootouts this season.
- Anaheim skaters have dished out the sixth-most hits in the league (24.4 per game).
