Minnesota Wild betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets – Page 2

Minnesota Wild at Winnipeg Jets odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Minnesota Wild at Winnipeg Jets odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

The Minnesota Wild (1-0-1) meet the Winnipeg Jets (2-0-0) at Canada Life Centre Sunday. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Wild vs. Jets odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; Jets won 4-0 in 2023-24

The Wild picked up a 3-2 win in the regular-season opener Thursday against the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets, cashing as a heavy favorite (-266), but they did not cash on the puck line as the Under (6.5) cashed.

Minnesota was in action against the Seattle Kraken on Saturday, and it suffered a wild 5-4 loss in a shootout at the XCel Energy Center in St. Paul. Last season, when playing on no rest, the Wild was 6-6-3, with a minus-6 goal differential, while the Over cashed at a 9-5-1 clip.

The Jets spanked the Edmonton Oilers 6-0 on the road Wednesday in the opener as a moderate underdog (+161), while pushing against the total (6). Things were a little tighter Friday, winning 2-1 in overtime against the Chicago Blackhawks as a heavy favorite (-258), although they came nowhere near covering the puck line as the Under (6) comfortably cashed.

Stream the NHL all season on ESPN+, with your team’s out-of-market games, exclusive games, originals and more. Get ESPN+ now!

Wild at Jets odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated Saturday at 6:34 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Wild +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Jets -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Wild +1.5 (-190) | Jets -1.5 (+155)
Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: +100 | U: -120)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

Wild at Jets projected goalies

Jesper Wallstedt (2-1-0, 3.01 GAA, .897 SV%, 1 SO in 2023-24) vs. Connor Hellebuyck (2-0-0, 0.50 GAA, .982 SV%, 1 SO)

Wallstedt is expected to make his 4th career NHL start, and 1st of the season. The 21-year-old Swede was a 1st-round pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft by the Wild. He won his final 2 starts last season in Chicago and in San Jose, turning aside 51 of the 53 shots he faced.

The 31-year-old Hellebuyck has gotten off to a tremendous start, kicking aside all 30 shots he faced in the opener in Edmonton for his 38th career shutout. He stopped 25 of the 26 shots he faced in the OTW against the Blackhawks on Friday.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Wild at Jets picks and predictions

Prediction

Jets 4, Wild 1

Moneyline

The JETS (-155) are a solid play as moderate favorites, and it’s actually a little surprising that Winnipeg isn’t favored by a little more.

The Jets have won 5 straight meetings in this series, outscoring the Wild (+125) by a 17-9 margin last season, and 20-10 margin in the past 5 meetings.

Puck line/Against the spread

If you’re a little more adventurous, forget about the moneyline and roll with the JETS -1.5 (+155) at plus-money.

We’ll pick on the Wild +1.5 (-190) backup tendy Wallstedt. While, yes, he was impressive down the stretch last season, he had soft landing spots facing the lowly Blackhawks and the toothless Sharks attack. He’ll have his hands full trying to shut down a red-hot Winnipeg team which has fired out of the gate with 2 straight wins.

In Winnipeg’s 5 straight wins in this series, it has won 4 of those meetings by 2 or more goals. So, if you like the Jets to win, you should like them to cover the puck line, too.

Over/Under

UNDER 6 (-120) is worth a look, so consider a half-unit play at the most.

The Wild cashed the Under in the opener against Columbus, while the Over cashed in Saturday’s clash with the Kraken.

For the Jets, the Under is 1-0-1, and that’s because Hellebuyck has been a brick wall so far. And, in the Winnipeg 5-game win streak in this series, the Under has a slight 2-1-2 edge. Hellebuyck is almost solely the reason why to slam the Under here.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1369]

Colorado Avalanche at Minnesota Wild odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Colorado Avalanche at Minnesota Wild odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Colorado Avalanche (47-22-6) and Minnesota Wild (36-28-10) tangle Thursday in Minneapolis. The opening faceoff at Xcel Energy Center is slated for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Avalanche vs. Wild odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: Avs lead 2-0 after winning a pair of 1-goal games

Colorado lost 4-1 at the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday. The now-in-2nd-place-in-the-Central Avs are just 1-2-1 over their last 4 games and have been surpassed by the streaking Dallas Stars for the top spot in the division.

Minnesota, which is 0-1-1 against Colorado and and 1-3-1 across its last 5 games against the Avs, is playing its 5th straight game at home. The Wild last played Tuesday, taking down the Ottawa Senators 3-2. Minnesota is 2-0-2 on its homestand.

Stream the NHL all season on ESPN+, with your team’s out-of-market games, exclusive games, originals and more. Get ESPN+ now!

Avalanche at Wild odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:01 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: Avalanche -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Wild +140 (bet $100 to win $140)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Avalanche -1.5 (+145) | Wild +1.5 (-175)
Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -120 | U: +100)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Avalanche at Wild projected goalies

Alexandar Georgiev (37-15-4, 2.85 GAA, .901 SV%) vs. Marc-Andre Fleury (17-12-5, 2.83 GAA, .901 SV%)

Georgiev was pulled in his last start (March 30 vs. Nashville Predators) after allowing 4 goals in 21 minutes. The Avs netminder has faced Minnesota 5 times over the last 2 seasons, logging a sparkling .932 SV%.

Fleury struggled in his 2 previous outings, but was sharp in allowing just 2 power-play goals in Tuesday’s win over the Sens. The veteran registered 30 saves in the game.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Avalanche at Wild picks and predictions

Prediction

Avalanche 3, Wild 2

Moneyline

Look for a bounce-back effort from the Avalanche in this game. They have been a bit shot-and-save unlucky in 5-on-5 high-danger chances of late.

The Avs are 6-2-1 across their last 9 against the Wild and that includes 3 straight wins in Minneapolis.

FanDuel Sportsbook offers a better leverage price here. BACK COLORADO -162.

Puck line/Against the spread

STEER CLEAR: Colorado’s last 3 wins over Minnesota have been by 1-goal margins.

Over/Under

The Under is 3-1 across the last 4 series meetings and is 6-2 in Minnesota’s last 8 games.

Both teams have been responsible in shutting down 5-on-5 chances recently. Expect some goaltenders-being undervalued aspect to the public’s betting.

BACK THE UNDER 6 (+100).

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1369]

Vegas Golden Knights at Minnesota Wild odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Vegas Golden Knights at Minnesota Wild odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Vegas Golden Knights (40-25-8) wrap up a 4-game road trip Saturday afternoon against the Minnesota Wild (35-28-9) at Xcel Energy Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+/Hulu). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Golden Knights vs. Wild odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: Wild lead 1-0

The Golden Knights wrap up their road trip in the Twin Cities, and Vegas is looking to avenge a 5-3 loss on home ice to the Wild back on Feb. 12. Minnesota (+135) won as a moderate underdog as the Over (5.5) connected. The road team has won the past 2 meetings and 3 of the past 4 in the series.

Vegas has secured 7 out of a possible 8 points on the road trip as it is rounding into playoff form after going 2-8-1 in an 11-game stretch from Feb. 12-March 7. That loss to Minnesota kicked off the ugly skid.

Minnesota won 3-1 and covered the puck line as a giant favorite (-375) against the San Jose Sharks last time out Thursday as the Under (6) connected. The Wild improved to 7-1-3 across the past 11 games, while the Under is 5-2 in the past 7 contests.

Stream the NHL all season on ESPN+, with your team’s out-of-market games, exclusive games, originals and more. Get ESPN+ now!

Golden Knights at Wild odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated 9 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Golden Knights -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Wild +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Golden Knights -1.5 (+195) | Wild +1.5 (-250)
Over/Under: 5.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Golden Knights at Wild projected goalies

Logan Thompson (21-12-5, 2.68 GAA, .909 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Marc-Andre Fleury (16-12-5, 2.85 GAA, .899 SV%, 2 SO)

Thompson scooped up a win in Winnipeg Thursday, allowing just a single goal on 40 shots. He also won in St. Louis Monday, conceding just 1 goal on 32 shots. Thompson has been red hot in the month of March, going 4-1-0 with a 2.28 GAA and .925 SV% in 5 starts and a relief appearance.

Fleury was on the short end of a 5-4 OT loss against the Blues last time out Saturday, but he is still a respectable 4-2-2 with a 2.63 GAA and .900 SV% with 1 SO in 8 starts in March.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Golden Knights at Wild picks and predictions

Prediction

Wild 3, Golden Knights 2

Moneyline

While the Golden Knights (-120) have picked up wins in 4 of the past 5 games, going 4-0-1 during the span, it’s hard to get past the fact the WILD (+100) won in Vegas in the 1st meeting in a high-scoring affair.

The Wild has been equally hot lately, going 7-1-3 across the past 11 games, and they haven’t lost in regulation on home ice since Feb. 27 against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Wild +1.5 (-250) will cost you 2½ times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk for not enough reward if you need insurance and cannot play Minnesota straight up.

AVOID.

Over/Under

UNDER 5.5 (+100) is a decent play at even-money. Both of these teams have been playing good hockey lately.

The Under is 5-2 in the past 7 games for the Wild while going 3-1 in the past 4 games on home ice.

The total has gone low in 4 of the past 5 outings for the Golden Knights while cashing at a 3-1 clip in the past 4 tries on the road.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1369]

Minnesota Wild at Los Angeles Kings odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Minnesota Wild at Los Angeles Kings odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Minnesota Wild (34-27-8) take on the Los Angeles Kings (35-22-11) Wednesday at Crypto.com Arena. Puck drop is set for 10 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Wild vs. Kings odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

After running wild on the Anaheim Ducks 4-0 Tuesday night, Minnesota comes up the 5 freeway into Los Angeles. LW Kirill Kaprizov scored his 36th goal of the season in the victory. He has goals in 5 straight games and has 10 goals in 9 games this month. The Wild have won 4 of 5 and sit 3 points out of the final Wild Card spot in the West.

The Kings are holding tightly to their 3rd-place playoff spot in the Pacific. The Vegas Golden Knights are 2 points behind them and sit in the final Wild Card. So there is quite the logjam and potential pitfall in the West. The Kings have cascaded wins and losses in their last 8 games. They’re coming off a 6-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks Thursday night as C Anze Kopitar tickled the twine twice. Say that fast, 10 times.

Stream the NHL all season on ESPN+, with your team’s out-of-market games, exclusive games, originals and more. Get ESPN+ now!

Wild at Kings odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:22 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Wild +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Kings -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Wild +1.5 (-200) | Kings -1.5 (+165)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Wild at Kings projected goalies

Marc-Andre Fleury (16-11-4, 2.67 GAA, .906 SV%, 2 SO) vs. David Rittich (10-5-3, 2.29 GAA, .916%, 2 SO)

“The Flower” has been amazing in March at 4-1-1 with a 1.64 GAA and .936 SV%. He has stopped 147 of 157 shots fired his way. He faced the Kings early in the season and allowed 5 goals on 25 shots, but the 39-year-old is on his game right now.

Rittich is feast or famine. He has 2 shutouts this month, and he has allowed 4+ goals 4 times. He’s 4-3-0 with a 2.68 GAA and .898 SV% in 7 March starts. He has not faced the Wild this year.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Wild at Kings picks and predictions

Prediction

Wild 4, Kings 2

Moneyline

It probably won’t receive the fanfare, but this is the game of the night and maybe the game of the week because these 2 are battling it out for a playoff spot. If the Wild wins, the Kings could fall all the way to the 2nd Wild Card spot where Minnesota and the St. Louis Blues are hovering on the outside looking in.

Fleury and “Kirill the Thrill” are the keys here. Both teams are on back-to-backs, and while the Kings are at home, the Wild are playing much better hockey and are showing the desperation needed to get in the playoffs. Take the WILD +155.

Puck line/Against the spread

Insurance for the Wild is far too expensive, so let’s try to bang out a prop bet. As mentioned, Kaprizov has scored in 5 straight games and has 10 goals in 9 games. He’s the best player on the ice Wednesday, and he’s playing like it. And you’re going to give us +160 for him to score again on Wednesday?

LA has a great defense, but he beat it in the game earlier this season. Take KIRILL KAPRIZOV ANYTIME GOAL +160.

Over/Under

Over! The Kings’ goaltending is far too inconsistent, and quite frankly, I expected to see a 6.5 here. The final score of the last meeting was 7-3, and we’ve had 6+ in 5 of the last 9 meetings.

Take the OVER 5.5 (-115).

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Ryan Dodson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1369]

Minnesota Wild at Colorado Avalanche odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Minnesota Wild at Colorado Avalanche odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Minnesota Wild (30-27-6) and Colorado Avalanche (39-20-5) lock horns in a Friday night battle in Denver. The opening faceoff at Ball Arena is slated for 9 p.m. ET (NHL Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Wild vs. Avalanche odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Minnesota is playing the back half of a 2-day double. On Thursday, the Wild defeated the Arizona Coyotes 5-2. They tote 2 straight wins into their Friday contest in Denver. Minnesota is 4-5-2 with a 3.64 average-goals-allowed mark on no rest.

Colorado, which beat its Central Division foe Minnesota 3-2 in the 1st meeting this season Nov. 24, is closing out a 3-game home stand. The Avalanche pounded the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings by a combined scored of 12-2 over the 1st 2 games of their home stand. The Avs have won 3 straight games at home, all by margins of 4 goals or more.

Stream the NHL all season on ESPN+, with your team’s out-of-market games, exclusive games, originals and more. Get ESPN+ now!

Wild at Avalanche odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:20 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: Wild +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Avalanche -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Wild +1.5 (-135) | Avalanche -1.5 (+110)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Wild at Avalanche projected goalies

Filip Gustavsson (17-15-3, 3.30 GAA, .892 SV%, 2 SO) vs. Alexandar Georgiev (32-15-3, 2.89 GAA, .901 SV%, 2 SO)

Gustavsson last started Sunday, facing only 15 shots (saving 12) in a 4-3 win over the San Jose Sharks. The 25-year-old faced the Avs Nov. 24, allowing 3 goals on 25 shots.

Georgiev has been running hot and cold the last few weeks, alternating strong starts with weak ones. He’s coming off the former, the Colorado rout of Detroit Wednesday. In that contest, the 28-year-old Bulgarian net-minder clocked 27 saves against 29 shots. Georgiev owns a career .914 SV% in home games.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Wild at Avalanche picks and predictions

Prediction

Avalanche 3, Wild 2

Moneyline

The visitors are the value side in this match-up, but the puck line offers better relative leverage. PASS.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Wild have a 7-1-0 road stretch not too far in the rearview mirror (Jan. 19-Feb. 24). The club’s overall record on no rest is not stellar, but Minnesota is 3-1-0 over its last 4 such games.

Per NaturalStatTrick.com, the Avs have a 5-on-5 shooting percentage of 11.2% over their last 10 games, so recent offensive numbers could well be a bit suspect.

Minnesota has killed off 10 of 11 penalties over its last 3 games against Colorado.

Ticket this contest as having decent probability of being low-scoring and close. An account login for a MINNESOTA +1.5 (-135) play is recommended.

Over/Under

The last 8 meetings of this series have seen the Under go 5-2-1.

Minnesota has yielded just 28.3 shots on goal per game since the All-Star break (just 40 over its last 2 games), and both teams have fared well in keeping would-be shooters clear of the slot of late.

Peg the Avs’ recent 5-on-5 success (3.56 goals per 60 minutes per Natural Stat Trick) as being due for a dose of regression.

TAKE THE UNDER 6.5 (-110).

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1369]

Minnesota Wild at New Jersey Devils odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Minnesota Wild at New Jersey Devils odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Minnesota Wild (3-3-2) take on the New Jersey Devils (4-2-1) Sunday at Prudential Center. Puck drop is set for 5 p.m. ET (ESPN+/Hulu). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Wild vs. Devils odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Wild lost 3-2 in a shootout to the Washington Capitals Friday. They were 0-for-5 on the power play and outshot the Caps 41-33. They have allowed 28 goals in the last 5 games as goal prevention has been an issue. This is the 1st of a home-and-home set with the Devils, who travel to Minnesota Thursday.

New Jersey is coming off a 5-4 win over the Buffalo Sabres Friday. They are rolling without C Nico Hischier, who is out with an upper body injury. C Jack Hughes is pacing the offense with 5 goals and 13 assists in 7 games.

Stream the NHL all season on ESPN+, with your team’s out-of-market games, exclusive games, originals and more. Get ESPN+ now!

Wild at Devils odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:55 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Wild +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Devils -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Wild +1.5 (-160) | Devils -1.5 (+135)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -125 | U: +105)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Wild at Devils projected goalies

Filip Gustavsson (2-2-1, 4.36 GAA, .885 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Vitek Vanecek (3-2-0, 3.30 GAA, .891 SV%)

Gustavsson shut out the Florida Panthers in his 1st start, but he has been shellacked for 22 goals in his last 4 starts. His last outing, he saw the lamp light 6 times on 35 shots Thursday against the Philadelphia Flyers. He was 2-0-0 with a 1.39 GAA and .961 SV% in 2 starts last year against Jersey.

Vanecek stopped 23 of 27 shots in a 5-4 win over Buffalo Friday. He has allowed at least 2 goals in each of his 5 starts, but he has maxed out at 4. He was 0-0-2 with a 1.85 GAA and .925 SV% against the Wild last season.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Wild at Devils picks and predictions

Prediction

Devils 5, Wild 3

Moneyline

Minnesota is struggling to find offense, and LW Kirill Kaprizov has just 2 goals on the season as defenses tighten up around him. The Devils have had no shortage of ohms in lamps as they have scored at least 3 goals in each game. Couple that with the issues the Wild have had between the pipes, and DEVILS -165 is right at my limit for a ML.

Puck line/Against the spread

I would consider the Devils on the puck line, but they are 1-6 on the PL this season and 0-5 at home.

PASS.

Over/Under

These have been Over teams as Minnesota is 6-2, and Jersey is a cool 7-0 O/U. With Jersey’s flying offense, and the Wild’s leaky defense, this is a pretty solid OVER 6.5 (-125).

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Ryan Dodson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1369]

Minnesota Wild at Washington Capitals odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Minnesota Wild at Washington Capitals odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Minnesota Wild (3-3-1) take on the Washington Capitals (2-3-1) Friday at Capital One Arena. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+/Hulu). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Wild vs. Capitals odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Wild were tamed in a 6-2 defeat at the Philadelphia Flyers Thursday night. They’ll enter the nation’s capital on the 2nd game of a back-to-back having lost 3 of 4. LW Kirill Kaprizov is off to a bit of a slow start with 2 goals and 7 assists. He has 25 shots on goal, and defenses have been staying close to him.

The Capitals stormed out to a 3-0 lead at New Jersey Wednesday night and prevailed 6-4. They have had a super slow start to their season with just 7 goals in their 1st 5 games. LW Alex Ovechkin has 2 goals in the first 6 games as he continues his quest for The Great One’s record.

Stream the NHL all season on ESPN+, with your team’s out-of-market games, exclusive games, originals and more. Get ESPN+ now!

Wild at Capitals odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:15 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Wild +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Capitals -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Wild +1.5 (-225) | Capitals -1.5 (+185)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Wild at Capitals projected goalies

Marc-Andre Fleury (1-1-0, 3.56 GAA, .868 SV%) vs. Darcy Kuemper (1-2-1, 3.67 GAA, .868 SV%)

Fleury was solid in his 1st start Oct. 17, allowing 2 goals on 28 shots. However, the Los Angeles Kings pummeled him for 5 goals on 25 shots in his last outing Oct. 19. He faced the Caps once and beat them last season, allowing 3 goals on 36 shots.

Kuemper has allowed 13 goals in his last 3 starts, including 4 goals on 17 shots Tuesday against Toronto. He did not face Minnesota last season. He went 1-0-1 with a 2.01 GAA and .931 SV% against the Wild in 3 starts 2 years ago while with the Colorado Avalanche.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Wild at Capitals picks and predictions

Prediction

Wild 4, Capitals 2

Moneyline

The Capitals have allowed 3 goals in every game but 1 thus far, and they’ve been anemic offensively. They don’t have anyone to contain Kaprizov, and I look for him to get on the board. Minnesota is a tough, physical team, and they don’t rely on athleticism as much. So being on the other end of a back-to-back doesn’t bother me. I’ll take the WILD +105 and the value.

Puck line/Against the spread

No thanks to the puck line. As mentioned I don’t think the Caps can contain “Kirill The Thrill.” Take KAPRIZOV ANYTIME GOAL (+105) and reap the rewards.

Over/Under

The Wild are 6-1 O/U, and Washington is 2-4. I wouldn’t consider the Wild to be as adept offensively as they have been in recent years, and the Caps have just been bleh. The presence of Fleury in net really isn’t much of a factor here. I LOVE the UNDER 6.5 (-115) here.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Ryan Dodson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1369]

Edmonton Oilers at Minnesota Wild odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Edmonton Oilers at Minnesota Wild odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Edmonton Oilers (1-3-1) meet the Minnesota Wild (2-2-1) Tuesday at Xcel Energy Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Oiler vs. Wild odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Oilers are coming off a 3-2 OT loss at home against the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday, cashing the Under for the 2nd straight game after the total was 2-0-1 in the first 3 outings. As a favorite, Edmonton is 1-4 this season.

The Wild were on the short end of a 5-4 OT loss against the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Minnesota has dropped 2 in a row at home after a 2-0 shutout win against the Florida Panthers to open the season. The Over has cashed in 4 straight outings since that shutout, too.

Stream the NHL all season on ESPN+, with your team’s out-of-market games, exclusive games, originals and more. Get ESPN+ now!

Oilers at Wild odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:27 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Oilers +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Wild -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Oilers +1.5 (-250) | Wild -1.5 (+195)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Oilers at Wild projected goalies

Stuart Skinner (0-1-1, 4.29 GAA, .814 SV%) vs. Marc-Andre Fleury (1-1-0, 3.55 GAA, .868 SV%)

Skinner has coughed up at least 3 goals in all 3 of his appearances so far. A reporter asked Leon Draisaitl about Skinner and the team’s struggles, and the All-Star forward had the tendy’s back. Skinner looked a lot better Saturday against the Jets, allowing 3 goals on 27 shots in an OT loss.

Fleury is projected to get the starting nod. He is looking to rebound after getting pounded for 5 goals on 25 shots in a 7-3 loss against the Los Angeles Kings last time out. It’s been hit or miss in his 2 starts, and he topped the Montreal Canadiens in his 1st outing on Oct. 17 at Bell Centre.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Oilers at Wild picks and predictions

Prediction

Wild 5, Oilers 4

Moneyline

The WILD (-120) are worth playing lightly at home.

Xcel Energy Center has been a house of horrors for the Oilers (+100), going just 7-28 in the past 35 visits to the Twin Cities. And the Oilers are a dismal 14-37 in the past 51 meetings overall. Until Edmonton figures out its defense and goaltending situation, while also solving Minnesota, go against the Oil.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Oilers +1.5 (-250) will cost you 2½ times your potential return if you’d like a little bit of insurance, and you just can’t bring yourself to play Edmonton straight. It’s not a recommended wager, however, as Edmonton has struggled mightily against Minnesota.

AVOID.

Over/Under

The OVER 6.5 (-115) is worth a look, but go with a half-unit at best.

First off, the Under is 7-2-1 in the past 10 meetings in this series. However, the Wild are on a 4-0 Over run since a shutout win in the season opener against the Panthers.

The Oilers have hit the Over in 6 of the past 8 road games dating back to last season, while going 4-1-1 in the past 6 against Western Conference foes.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1369]

Minnesota Wild at Toronto Maple Leafs odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Minnesota Wild at Toronto Maple Leafs odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Minnesota Wild (1-0-0) and Toronto Maple Leafs (1-0-0) meet Saturday at Scotiabank Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Wild vs. Maple Leafs odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Wild upended the Florida Panthers 2-0 behind Filip Gustavsson in the team’s opener, ending a 5-game losing streak to the Cats in the process. Minnesota had lost 3 straight home games to Florida, too.

The Maple Leafs were involved in a wild one in the team’s opener Wednesday, nipping the rival Montreal Canadiens 6-5 in a shootout. Auston Matthews notched the hat trick, helping the Leafs erase a 5-3 deficit midway through the 3rd period.

Stream the NHL all season on ESPN+, with your team’s out-of-market games, exclusive games, originals and more. Get ESPN+ now!

Wild at Maple Leafs odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:07 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Wild +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Maple Leafs -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Wild +1.5 (-160) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+135)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Wild at Maple Leafs projected goalies

Marc-Andre Fleury (24-16-4, 2.85 GAA, .908 SV%, 2 SO in 2022-23) vs. Ilya Samsonov (27-10-5, 2.33 GAA, .919 SV%, 4 SO in 2022-23)

Fleury was not the starter on Opening Night, as that honor went to Gustavsson. The latter went on to post the shutout against the visiting Panthers. Fleury faced the Leafs last season, allowing 4 goals on 28 shots in a 4-3 home loss on Nov. 25, 2022.

Samsonov was super shaky in Wednesday’s game against Montreal. Head coach Sheldon Keefe will go right back to the Russian tendy for this one. He was in the crease for a 2-1 OT win in Toronto against the Wild on Feb. 24 last season, stopping 24 of the 25 shots he faced.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Wild at Maple Leafs picks and predictions

Prediction

Wild 4, Maple Leafs 3

Moneyline

The WILD (+145) are worth a look as moderate underdogs on the road.

Minnesota looked very good shutting down the high-octane Florida Panthers offensive attack in the Twin Cities. The Maple Leafs (-175) are too expensive, and their defense and goaltending was awfully shoddy in the opener against a subpar Habs side.

Puck line/Against the spread

If you can’t bring yourself to bet them straight up, the WILD +1.5 (-160) aren’t priced out of line if you’d like a little bit of insurance.

Both meetings last season were won by the Maple Leafs -1.5 (+135), but each contest was decided by a single goal, including Toronto’s OT win at home on Feb. 24, 2023.

Over/Under

OVER 6.5 (-110) is a bit risky, so be careful. Both of these teams had completely different experiences in their opener. Minnesota won with timely offense, tremendous defense and lockdown goaltending, while Toronto won a wild, fire-wagon hockey game with plenty of offense, zero defense and shoddy goaltending. We won’t have a total of just 2 goals, and we won’t have a total of 11, either.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1369]

Florida Panthers at Minnesota Wild odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Florida Panthers at Minnesota Wild odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Florida Panthers and the Minnesota Wild open their 2023-24 National Hockey League regular seasons Thursday at XCel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Panthers vs. Wild odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Panthers made a deep run in the playoffs last season, eventually falling to the Vegas Golden Knights for all the marbles in the Stanley Cup Final. It will be interesting to see how Florida responds in 2023-24. Florida swept the regular-season series against Minnesota last season, winning 2-1 in a shootout in the most recent visit to the Twin Cities last Feb. 13.

The Wild have struggled against the Cats over the years, losing 5 straight meetings in the series, while going just 3-7 in the previous 10 matchups. That includes 3 consecutive home setbacks against the Panthers since Minnesota’s last win at home against Florida on Dec. 13, 2018.

Stream the NHL all season on ESPN+, with your team’s out-of-market games, exclusive games, originals and more. Get ESPN+ now!

Panthers at Wild odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:16 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Panthers +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Wild -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Panthers +1.5 (-225) | Wild -1.5 (+185)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Panthers at Wild projected goalies

Sergei Bobrovsky (37-13-8, 2.48 GAA, .916 SV%, 3 SO – 2022-23) vs. Marc-Andre Fleury (5-2-0, 2.94 GAA, .905 SV% )

The native of Novokuznetsk, Russia, caught fire in the postseason, single-handedly carrying the Panthers to victories. Bobrovsky struggled on the road during the regular season, however, going just 10-11-1 with a 3.27 GAA and .892 SV%.

Bob did win his only appearance against the Wild, though, kicking aside 27 of the 28 shots he faced in a 2-1 shootout win on Feb. 13 in the Twin Cities.

Fleury was 12-7-0 with a 2.94 GAA and .897 SV% in 20 appearances at home last season. He actually hasn’t faced the Panthers since Feb. 20, 2022, when he was a member of the Chicago Blackhawks. He was on the short end of a 5-2 loss that night, stopping 20 of 23 shots.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Panthers at Wild picks and predictions

Prediction

Panthers 3, Wild 2

Moneyline

The PANTHERS (+105) are worth a look as slight underdogs on the road. While these teams meet rather infrequently, just twice per season in recent years, Florida has dominated the series. That includes a shootout win last season in the Twin Cities, and 3 straight skates in St. Paul overall. The defending Eastern Conference champions are the play on Opening Night.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Panthers +1.5 (-225) will cost you more than 2 times your potential return, and that’s quite expensive for a singular bet. If you want some insurance, and toss this into a multi-team parlay, it’s not the end of the world, especially since it’s rather early in the season, and we’re just feeling things out here.

PASS.

Over/Under

UNDER 6.5 (-115) is a strong play in this opening night action.

The Under cashed in the most recent battle between these clubs in the Twin Cities, halting a 4-0 run to the Over in the series.

For the Wild, the Under dominated in their building last season, going 20-7-3 in the final 30 home games, while also cashing in 11 of the final 14 tries against Eastern Conference foes down the stretch.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1369]