In this article, we will formulate an Avalanche vs Wild prediction for this NHL game on Monday, January 20th at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Colorado Avalanche Betting Preview
The Colorado Avalanche are 28-18-1 this year after they defeated Dallas by a score of 6-2 in their last game. Colorado trailed 1-0 in the first period, but they scored the next five goals to pull away for the win. The Avalanche outshot Dallas by a total of 36-29, won 35.8% of the face-offs, and went 1-3 on the power play in the game. Colorado got goals from Drouin, Lehkonen (2), Mittelstadt, and Makar (2), while Wedgewood stopped 26 out of 29 shots in the win.
Prior to that victory, the Avalanche lost to the Oilers by a score of 4-3 but did beat the Rangers by a score of 3-2 before that. Colorado has alternated wins and losses over their last nine games and they are currently fourth in the Central standings with 57 points. Colorado has scored 3.36 goals per game and they have allowed 3.11 goals against per game, while also going 21.1% on the power play and 78.7% on the penalty kill this season. Nathan MacKinnon has led Colorado with 17 goals, 56 assists, and 176 shots on goal, while Mikko Rantanen has added 25 goals, 38 assists, and 129 shots on goal. Mackenzie Blackwood is 9-3-1 with a 1.87 goals against average and a .932 save percentage this year. The Avs will meet the Jets and Bruins after this game.
Minnesota Wild Betting Preview
The Minnesota Wild are 27-15-4 this season after they lost to Nashville by a score of 6-2 in their last game. Minnesota led 1-0 in the first period, but they allowed the next four goals in the loss. The Wild were outshot by a total of 38-29, won 44.8% of the face-offs, and went 1-4 on the power play in the game. Minnesota got goals from Boldy and Jiricek, while Fleury stopped 32 out of 37 shots in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Wild lost to the Oilers by a score of 5-3 and the Golden Knights by a score of 4-1. Minnesota has lost four of their last five games and they are currently third in the Central standings with 58 points. Minnesota has scored 2.93 goals per game and they have allowed 2.85 goals against per game, while also going 19.7% on the power play and 70.8% on the penalty kill this season. Kirill Kaprizov is the leading scorer for Minnesota, but he is on IR and probably won’t be ready for this game, while Matt Boldy has added 18 goals, 23 assists, and 161 shots on goal. Filip Gustavsson is 18-9-3 with a 2.58 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage this year.
Why the Avalanche will beat the Wild
- The Avalanche have won each of their last nine day games at Ball Arena against opponents on a losing streak.
- The Wild have lost each of their last six games at Ball Arena following a road loss.
- The favorites have covered the puck line in each of the Wild’s last six games.
- The Wild have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last six games at Ball Arena following a road loss.
- The favorites have won the third period in each of the Wild’s last six games.
Total Goals Facts
- Eight of the Avalanche’s last nine day games have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Each of the Wild’s last four games against Central Division opponents has gone OVER the total goals line.
- Six of the last seven day games between teams from the same division have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in each of the Avalanche’s last nine day games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3’ market has hit in each of the Wild’s last 10 games as road underdogs.
Colorado Avalanche Player Prop Facts
- Artturi Lehkonen has scored a goal in each of the Avalanche’s last four games against the Wild.
- Nathan MacKinnon has recorded at least one point in each of the Avalanche’s last 10 home games.
- Nathan MacKinnon has recorded at least one assist in 15 of the Avalanche’s last 16 day games at Ball Arena.
- Artturi Lehkonen has scored the first goal in three of the Avalanche’s last four games against the Wild.
Minnesota Wild Player Prop Facts
- Marco Rossi has scored a goal in four of the Wild’s last five day games.
- Kirill Kaprizov has recorded at least one point in each of his last 11 appearances in day games.
- Jonas Brodin has recorded an assist in each of his last four appearances after playing less than 20 minutes in the Wild’s last game.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Colorado Avalanche rank 5th in the league for goals per game this season (3.36).
- The Colorado Avalanche rank 32nd in the league for Period 1 goals allowed per game this season (1.15).
- The Minnesota Wild rank 30th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (70.80%).
- The Minnesota Wild rank 5th in the league in save percentage this season (.905).
Avalanche vs Wild Prediction
Minnesota comes into this matchup trying to snap a three-game losing streak, but they continue to deal with injuries and will be on the road here. The Wild are 16-5-3 on the road this year, while the Avalanche are 14-9-1 at home. Colorado has not been able to string wins together over the last few weeks, but they have played pretty well in their last five games, which includes a 6-1 win over Minnesota. I need to see the Wild get a little healthier and generate more scoring chances, so give me the Avs -1.5 here.