The Minnesota Wild (30-27-6) travel to face off against the Colorado Avalanche (39-20-5) on Friday, March 8th. This game will be played at Ball Arena in Denver and televised on ESPN+. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Puck drop is set for 9:00 ET.
Wild vs Avalanche
The Minnesota Wild Are Coming Off A Win
On the road this season, the Wild have gone 15-15-2 and have been the underdog in 35 of their 63 games. In the Western Conference, Minnesota is in 12th place and 6th in the Central Division. Over their last ten games, the Wild have gone 5-5.
Overall this season, Minnesota has a record of 30-27-6. In games where they have been the underdog, the Wild have gone 12-20-3, and they have lost their last two games as the underdog. On the year, they have been favored in 28 games and have gone 18-7-3 in those matchups.
Minnesota has an average scoring margin of -0.2 goals per game, and they have gone 33-30 against the puck line this year. As the underdog, the Wild’s puck line record is 22-13, and they have 20 wins by multiple goals.
So far, Minnesota has gone 6-4 against the puck line in their last ten road games, and their overall road puck line record is 18-14. They have gone 1-2 against the puck line in their last three games and 2-3 in their last five.
The Wild most recently took on the Coyotes and secured a win with a score of 5-2. During the first period, the Wild started slow, but they turned things around by scoring one time in the second period and four goals in the third. Of Minnesota’s five goals, one came while in power play. They ended the game with 28 shots on goal and had nine giveaways.
Minnesota came in as the favorites with a -1.5 goal advantage and, as a result, recorded a win against the puck line. The over/under line going into the game was 6.5 goals, which the teams surpassed with their combined 7 goals.
The Colorado Avalanche Are Coming Off A Win
At home this season, the Avalanche have been dominant, going 25-6-0 in 31 games. In the Western Conference, Colorado is in 4th place and 3rd in the Central Division. Over their last ten games, the Avalanche have gone 6-4 and have won two straight games as the favorite.
Overall, the Avalanche have gone 39-20-5 this season, giving them 83 points. Against Western Conference opponents, Colorado has gone 25-12 this season. In games where they have been favored, the Avalanche have gone 36-14-5 and have won two straight.
On the season, the Avalanche have a puck line record of 31-33 and have gone 20-11 against the puck line at home. So far, Colorado has 30 wins by multiple goals and has an average scoring margin of +.7 goals per game.
As the favorite, the Avalanche have a puck line record of 28-27 and have gone 55-9 as the favored team. In their last ten games at home, the team’s puck line record is 7-3, and they have won three straight games at home vs. the puck line.
The Avalanche most recently faced the Red Wings at home and achieved a 7-2 win. In all three periods, the Avalanche’s offense found the net against the Red Wings. Out of Colorado’s seven goals, two were scored during power plays. They concluded the game with 54 shots on goal and had four giveaways.
Colorado also picked up a win against the puck line, coming into the game favored by -1.5. The teams surpassed the over/under line, which was set at 6.5 goals, with a combined total of 9 goals.
Minnesota Offense Breakdown
For their offensive performance, the Wild come in averaging 3.1 goals per game this season, which is 17th in the NHL. In the category of shots on goal per game, they are 19th in the league. This season, the Wild have a 17-12 record in games where they outshoot their opponent. In games with fewer shots on goal, they hold a 13-15 record.
This season, the Wild have an over/under record of 31-28-4. Throughout the season, they have played 32 games that went over the 6.5 over/under line. The average number of goals in their games is 6.5 per game.
Avalanche Offense Breakdown
For their offensive performance, the Avalanche come in averaging 3.7 goals per game this season, which is 1st in the NHL. In the category of shots on goal per game, they are 4th in the league. Colorado’s offense is currently ranked 2nd in power play goals. When it comes to shorthanded goals, they are 10th in the league.
This season, the Avalanche have an over/under record of 36-26-2. Throughout the season, they have played 36 games that went over the 6.5 over/under line. The average number of goals in their games is 6.8 per game.
Minnesota Team Defense
The Wild defense is currently 17th in goals allowed. Opponents are averaging 29.9 shots per game against Minnesota. In terms of shutouts, they come into the game ranked 22nd with 3 shutouts.
Colorado Team Defense
Defensively, the Avalanche are currently 14th in goals allowed. On average, opponents are taking 29.5 shots per game against Colorado. They also are 9th in shutouts, coming in with 4 shutouts.
Wild vs Avalanche Trends
- In their last three games away from home, the Wild have a straight up record of 1-2 while going 1-2 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 2 goals per game in these contests.
- When looking at their past ten home matchups, Colorado has an puck line record of 7-3 while averaging 4 per game. The team went 9-1 overall in these games.
- Going back to their last three games as the underdog, the Avalanche have a straight up record of 0-3. But, their mark vs the puck line was just 0-3.
- Looking back on the team’s last ten games as the favorite, the Wild have a straight up record of 6-4. Their record vs the puck line in these games was 4-6.
Wild vs Avalanche Prediction
If you’re looking for a moneyline bet in this one, we have the Avalanche coming out on top. However, with the lines sitting at -203, I’d recommend looking to the spread as our projections have the Avalanche winning by more than one goal.
When it comes to a puck line pick, our choice is the Avalanche to secure the win and cover. Expect the Avalanche to dominate this one with a multi-goal win over the Wild.
For those assessing the over/under line set at 6.5 goals, our expectation is that this game will stay below that mark, and we suggest making a bet on the under.
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:March 8, 2024 Avalanche, Wild