NHL Picks & Predictions: Wild vs. Avalanche (Tuesday)
We have a standalone game in the Stanley Cup playoffs on Tuesday, and I think we're all excited to see how the Minnesota Wild (0-1) and the Colorado Avalanche (1-0) follow up their 9-6 barnburning series opener on Sunday. If you're looking to get in on the action for Game 2, you've come to the right place. Below, I'll analyze tonight's Wild versus Avalanche game and get you primed with key stats, trends and betting angles for the contest. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET from Ball Arena in Denver, CO. Get our top NHL picks below.
Tuesday’s Best NHL Picks & Predictions
(Odds courtesy of BetMGM)
Minnesota Wild (+165) vs. Colorado Avalanche (-200) | O/U 6.5 (-105/-115)
I'm not going to overthink this one. I'm going right back to the over in Game 2. The Wild have been an over machine recently, going 4-1 to the over in their last five games. They've also seen four of their last five road games go over the pregame number.
Both of these offenses can light the lamp at will. During 5-on-5 play this postseason, the Avalanche rank first in goals per 60 minutes (3.86), while the Wild are fifth (3.1). The teams are fourth (11.76%) and fifth (11.73%), respectively, in shooting rate in even-strength play.
Now, the big factor in getting this game over the total could be the special teams play. Specifically, neither penalty-killing group has been reliable during the playoffs. Minnesota is 15th overall at 59.26%, while Colorado is ninth at 84.21%.
Factor in that neither Jesper Wallstedt nor Scott Wedgewood has a ton of playoff experience, and I think we could see these offensive juggernauts go back and forth for a second straight game. I'm taking the over.
Bet: Over 6.5 Goals (-105)