Minnesota continued to lose ground in the Central Division race last night with yet another Blackhawks’ win and with just six games remaining on the schedule, the Wild have to start winning again in a hurry if they don’t want to fall into third place in the division or even into a wild-card spot. They’ll host a Sens team tonight that they beat 2-1 back in November and that will also be looking to end a losing streak.
The key for the Wild in this game is goaltending as it’s not something they’ve been getting over the course of their last 10 games. Devan Dubnyk, who allowed five goals and made just 15 saves when his team faced the Capitals on Tuesday, has been just awful in March and if I were Bruce Boudreau, I’d be giving him some rest down the stretch.
At this point, it doesn’t look like the Wild have any shot at catching the Blackhawks so giving Dubnyk a breather in favor of Darcy Kuemper tonight wouldn’t be the end of the world for Minnesota. The Wild have an extremely favorable schedule in April so there’s likely a few more points left on the table to clinch second in the Central.
As for the game tonight, don’t expect fireworks. The Wild thrive on limiting teams’ opportunities as do the Senators. I like this game to stay UNDER and will be taking a look at the Sens’ moneyline value myself. They opened as +144 underdogs and considering they play much better hockey on the road, I’ll take a flyer on that line any day of the week.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The Ottawa Senators were listed as 144 underdogs on the NHL hockey moneyline earlier at Sportsbook. The over under total was set at 5.5 before betting started earlier on Thursday at Sportsbook.
Odds Shark computer score prediction models pick a possible 2.7-2.6 win for the Senators on Thursday. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
Ottawa Senators vs Minnesota Wild Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
Supporters of the Ottawa Senators have seen them go 41-25-9 so far this season, while the Wild are at 44-24-8. In totals betting, the Minnesota Wild are 38-29-9, while the Senators are 28-44-3. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Minnesota vs Ottawa injuries news.
The Minnesota Wild sit at No. 22 in the current NHL power poll here at Odds Shark, while the Ottawa Senators sit at a No. 8 on the same chart.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Minnesota's No. 3-ranked offense, averaging 3.21 goals per game, against a Senators defense that ranks No. 10 at 2.59 goals allowed. The Wild power play is averaging 20% while the Senators defense kills off 81.01% of their penalties.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Last time out for Ottawa, they were a 3-2 loser as they battled the Flyers on the road. Moneyline bettors who got the Flyers at -115 were rewarded, while the 5 combined goals moved the game UNDER for totals bettors.
Last time out for Minnesota, they were a 5-4 loser as they battled the Capitals at home. Moneyline bettors who got the Capitals at -107 were rewarded, while the 9 combined goals moved the game OVER for totals bettors.
Next Betting Matchups
Ottawa at Winnipeg, Saturday, April 1st
Minnesota at Nashville, Saturday, April 1st