Two teams battling for Central Division supremacy will meet up once again tonight when the 39-13-6 Wild host the 36-18-5 Blackhawks. Until Chicago’s 4-3 overtime win against Minnesota two weeks ago, the boys from the North Star State had beaten the ’Hawks six straight times and had cashed five straight puckline bets against their division rivals.
Minnesota’s success has been one of the biggest surprises of the NHL season – outside of the Habs hiring Claude Julien – and they’ve lost just eight games at home. They have an amazing record of 31-11-2 as a favorite and have turned that into a 19-22 puckline standing that’s profited $100 bettors well over $1300.
It is true, however, that the Blackhawks have been very good as a dog this season. They have a 17-5 record when given +1.5 goals and this game feels like it’s going to have a playoff intensity. A problem for the ’Hawks, though, is that Corey Crawford has posted his worst split when given exactly two days of rest as he’s earned a save percentage of just .886 in his seven starts after taking two days off.
Devan Dubnyk, on the other hand, has been excellent all season long, excluding a short slump before the all-star break, and stopped 33 of the Blackhawks’ 35 shots in a Wild win back in January.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The Minnesota Wild were listed earlier today as -125 moneyline favorites at most sportsbooks tracked by Odds Shark (including Sportsbook), while odds makers set the Sportsbook betting total around 5.5.
Odds Shark computer prediction handicapping models run on this game pick a 3.3-2.2 victory for the Blackhawks. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Minnesota Wild Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
39-13-6 Minnesota battles the Blackhawks, currently with a 36-18-5 mark. The OVER/UNDER records, important for totals bettors, are 29-21-8 for the Wild and 25-23-11 for the Blackhawks. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Minnesota vs Chicago injuries news.
This game puts the Minnesota Wild, most recently No. 3 in the Odds Shark NHL Power Rankings, up against the Chicago Blackhawks, who rate a No. 13 in the latest survey.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Minnesota's No. 3-ranked offense, averaging 3.36 goals per game, against a Blackhawks defense that ranks No. 7 at 2.56 goals allowed. The Wild power play is averaging 21.74% while the Blackhawks defense kills off 76.92% of their penalties.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Chicago won its last outing, a 5-1 result against the Sabres on February 19. Bettors who backed the Blackhawks at -147 on the moneyline won on the day, and the total score (6) sent OVER bettors to the payout window.
Next Betting Matchups
Chicago home to Arizona, Thursday, February 23rd
Minnesota home to Los Angeles, Monday, February 27th