Two clubs that are squaring off for the fifth and final time this season, the Chicago Blackhawks and the Minnesota Wild take the ice at the Xcel Energy Center for a divisional showdown. The first puck will drop at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 10, and you’ll be able to catch the game live on NBC Sports Chicago.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Minnesota Wild Odds
Chicago (+150) is entering this one as the underdog to Minnesota (-170) and the Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 6 goals. The odds for betting the total sit at -105 for the over and -115 on the under.
Minnesota is 29-25 straight up (SU) and has recorded -1.2 units for moneyline bettors thus far. That early-season winning percentage is a regression from the 49-33 record that the team posted during the 2016-17 season campaign. Through 54 regular season matches, 29 of its games have gone over the total, while 23 have gone under and just two have pushed. This year, the team is 18-9 SU at home.
The Wild have converted on 21.5 percent of their power play chances this year, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked 15th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 80.7 percent of all penalties.
The Wild, as a collective unit, have been whistled for penalties 4.0 times per game overall this season, and 2.4 per game over their last five matchups home outings. The team has had to defend opposition power plays for just 5.5 minutes per game over their last 10 matchups, overall.
With a .916 save percentage and 27.4 saves per game, Devan Dubnyk (22-15-4) has been the best option in goal for Minnesota this season. If Minnesota decides to rest him, however, head coach Bruce Boudreau may turn to Alex Stalock (8-14-14 record, .914 save percentage, 2.77 goals against average).
Eric Staal and Mikael Granlund will both look to continue their strong seasons for the Wild. Staal (49 points) has produced 24 goals and 25 assists and has recorded two or more points 14 times this year. Granlund has 15 goals and 28 assists to his credit and has recorded at least one point in 28 contests.
On the other bench, Chicago is 24-30 straight up (SU) and has lost 10.8 units for moneyline bettors this year. Through 54 regular season contests, 28 of its games have gone under the total, while 23 have gone over and just three have pushed. As the visiting team, the Blackhawks are 12-15 SU so far.
The Blackhawks have converted on just 15.8 percent of their power play chances this year, a figure that places them in the bottom- overall among NHL teams. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked eighth overall and it’s successfully killed off 82.3 percent of all opponent power plays.
Chicago’s skaters have been whistled for penalties only 3.5 times per game in total this season, and 2.2 per game over their last five road outings. The team has been forced to kill penalties just 7.0 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Corey Crawford (27.9 saves per game) has been the primary option in goal for Chicago. Crawford has 16 wins, 12 losses, and two OT losses to his credit, while registering a .929 save percentage and 2.27 goals against average this year.
Patrick Kane (21 goals, 32 assists) has been one of the top playmaking threats for the visiting Blackhawks.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Minnesota Wild Free Picks
NHL Tip: SU Winner – Wild, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
- The total has gone over in four of Minnesota’s last five outings.
- The Blackhawks are 7-5 in games where they attempt 10+ shots more than their opponent. They’ve averaged the leagues third-most shots on goal (34.3) and Minnesota has attempted just the 29th-most (30.0).
- Six of Chicago’s last ten games have been decided by two goals or more. The team is 1-5 in those games.
