The Vancouver Canucks (20-9-1) travel to face off against the Minnesota Wild (11-12-4) on Saturday, December 16th. This game will be played at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Puck drop is set for 2:00 ET.
Vancouver Canucks vs Minnesota Wild
The Vancouver Canucks Are Coming Off A Win
In their 30 games, the Canucks have a 20-9-1 record this season. While playing at their home arena, they have a 12-3-1 record, and their record on the road is 8-6-0. They are currently positioned 2nd in the Western Pacific division and 2nd in the Western conference. Vancouver’s average scoring margin this season is +1.4, leading to an overall puck line record of 21-9. At their home arena, they have a scoring margin of +1.9, while on the road, it is +.8.
In their previous game, the Canucks hosted the Panthers and game away with a 4-0 win. Offensively, the Canucks scored two goals in the first period and two times in the second period. Vancouver’s one power-play goals contributed to their total of 4 goals. Their offensive performance came with 18 shots on goal and 10 giveaways.
Vancouver was the underdog going into the game and picked up a win against the puck line. The game ended below the over/under line of 6, with a combined total of 4 goals.
The Minnesota Wild Are Coming Off A Win
Through 27 games, the Wild have achieved an overall record of 11-12-4. When on the road, Minnesota holds a 5-8-2 record, while they are 6-4-2 when playing at home. Their current record places them 7th in the Western Central division and 13th in the Western conference. Minnesota heads into the game with nine wins by more than one goal, and lost eight games by multiple goals. Their overall puck line record this season is 15-12.
The Wild played host to the Flames in their previous game and emerged with a 3-2 win. In the 3rd period, the Wild found the net one time against the Flames after their one goal in the first period. All three goals came at even strength. They finished with 32 shots on goal and had 10 turnovers.
Despite the straight-up win, Minnesota did not cover the puck line, as they were favored by -1.5. Combining for 5 goals, the game finished below the over/under line of 6.5.
Vancouver Offense Breakdown
For their offensive performance, the Canucks come in averaging 3.8 goals per game this season, which is 1st in the NHL. In the category of shots on goal per game, they are 25th in the league. This year, the Canucks have recorded a 9-4 record in games where they outshoot their opponent. For games with fewer shots on goal, they have 10-5 record.
This season, the Canucks have an over/under record of 17-11-2. Throughout the season, they have played 19 games that went over the 6.5 over/under line. The average number of goals in their games is 6.3 per game.
Minnesota Offense Breakdown
The Wild come into the game scoring an average of 3.1 goals per game, putting them 27th in the NHL. Regarding shots targeted at the goal per game, they are 28th in the league. This year, the Wild have recorded a 8-5 record in games where they outshoot their opponent. For games with fewer shots on goal, they have 3-7 record.
The Wild come in with an over/under record of 13-12-2. Over the season, there have been 14 games that have surpassed the 6.5 over/under line. Their games, on average, are at 6.4 goals per game.
Vancouver Team Defense
The Canucks defense is currently 12th in goals allowed. Opponents are averaging 30 shots per game against Vancouver. In terms of shutouts, they come into the game ranked 2nd with 4 shutouts.
Minnesota Team Defense
Defensively, the Wild are currently 26th in goals allowed. On average, opponents are taking 30.1 shots per game against Minnesota. They also are 15th in shutouts, coming in with 2 shutouts.
Canucks vs Wild Trends
- The Canucks are 2-1 puck line in their three last road games and 2-1 straight-up.
- In their last ten games at home, the Wild have a straight up record of 4-6 while going 6-4 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 2 goals per game in these contests.
- Through their last three games as the betting underdog, the Wild have a strong record vs the puck line going 2-1. Their straight up mark in these contests is 1-2.
- The Canucks have played well in their last five games as the betting favorite, going 3-2 straight up and 3-2 against the spread.
Canucks vs Wild Prediction
For a moneyline bet, I’m backing the Wild to secure a victory over the Canucks at home. With the moneyline currently set at -115, I’m locking in my bet on the Wild straight-up.
My recommended pick for the puck line is to take the Canucks to cover. Even if the Wild win straight-up, this one should be close throughout and the Canucks should cover the puck line.
For those looking at the over/under line set at 6.5 goals, our expectation is that this game will surpass that mark, and we suggest making a bet on the over.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:December 16, 2023 Canucks, Uncategorized, Wild