Wild-Golden Knights Betting Preview: Will Minnesota’s Defense Hold Up in Vegas?
Bruce Hemmelgram, USA Today Sports. Pictured: Jordan Greenway
Betting odds: Minnesota Wild at Vegas Golden Knights
- Wild moneyline: +165
- Golden Knights moneyline: -195
- Over/Under: 6
- Puck drop: 6 p.m. ET
NHL record: 32-35, +8.87 units
>> All odds as of 12 p.m. ET. Download The Action Network App to get real-time NHL odds and track your bets
The Minnesota Wild are in a real scrap for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Sitting on 51 points, the Wild are just one point out of the picture.
The Vegas Golden Knights are firmly in the playoff landscape, 11 points clear of the Wild and Ducks, but have their sights set on home-ice advantage and perhaps another Pacific Division title.
The Knights are as well-rounded as they come. They rank in the top five in shot share (54.3%) , expected goals percentage (54.9%) and high-danger chance rate (55.5%). Vegas is good in basically every phase of the game, though its goaltending hasn't been great.
The Wild are a one-dimensional team. They play a well-structured game and limit scoring chances.
Minnesota ranks first in the league in high-danger chances against (8.76 per 60 minutes at 5v5), expected save percentage (.947%) and expected goals against per 60 minutes (1.95). Minnesota lacks scoring punch, but it can turn games into coin flips with the best of them.
Neither of these teams play at a particularly high tempo and I think that should suit the Wild, who do seem to be improving the last few weeks. Minnesota's path to success here is simple, avoid getting into a track meet and turn this game into a rock fight.
The edge in goal does go Vegas' way as Marc-Andre Fleury, even with his struggles this season, has outplayed Devan Dubnyk this season. But Minnesota makes life so easy on its goaltenders, that the advantage doesn't keep me off this number.
If you are getting involved in this game, be sure to shop around the market for the best price. MyBookie is currently offering Minnesota at +165 (36.3% implied probability), which is great value. If you don't have access to that number, I'd be fine with playing Minnesota at +150 or better.
The Bet: Minnesota Wild +165
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