After a brief hiatus with NHL breakdowns we’re back. We have a massive slate of NHL games tonight with some great matchups. I breakdown the Wild vs the Canucks and offer a few other plays. Let’s get into it!
Vancouver Canucks @ Minnesota Wild
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- TV Coverage: ESPN+
- Vancouver Canucks: 30-26-8, 5th Pacific (16-13-3 Away)
- Minnesota Wild: 37-20-4, 3rd Central (20-7-1 Home)
| Team | Opening ML | Current ML | Spread | Total |
| Vancouver Canucks | +164 | +180 | +1.5 (-130) | o6.0 (-105) |
| Minnesota Wild | -200 | -220 | -1.5 (+110) | u6.0 (-115) |
Trends:
- Over is 6-0 in Canucks last 6 road games.
- Over is 5-0 in Canucks last 5 games as a road underdog.
- Under is 3-1-1 in Wild last 5 overall.
- Wild are 10-3 in their last 13 games playing on 2 days rest.
Previous Matchups:
- October 26, 2021
- Vancouver (2) @ Minnesota (3)
- VAN: +100, MIN: -120, O/U: 6.0 (-105/-115)
Preview:
Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks are coming off a game against the Colorado Avalanche last night were they won 3-1 snapping a three game losing streak. They had a busy trade deadline dealing Travis Hamonic and acquiring Travis Dermott along with some other moves. Several of their main players J.T. Miller, Brock Boeser, and Conor Garland stayed put after being rumored to be on the move.
On the year, the Canucks haven’t been great ranking 22nd in goals for with a 2.81 average. However, in their last 10 games they’ve been clicking up front averaging 3.10 goals for. Their top line of Pearson – Miller – Garland has been great in the past two games combining for 8 points. They’ve been around their season average in shots on goal and in shooting percentage. So for them to start to figure things out up front is a great sign as they’re looking to make a playoff push. Their Power Play has also been converting at a higher rate at 26.09%.
Unlike their offense, they’ve been worse as of late in their last 10. On the year they rank 14th in goals against averaging 2.86 but, in their last 10 they’ve given up an average of 3.50 goals against. They have been giving up more shots recently which obviously leads to more scoring chances and is reflective in that number. Despite their 5 on 5 woes, they’ve been better on the Penalty Kill in their last 10 with a 76.19 success rate.
Jaroslav Halak started last night against Colorado so All-Star Thatcher Demko will get the nod tonight between the pipes. Demko has been one of the best goalies in the NHL this season ranking 13th in Goals Saved Above Expected with a +10.0. However, in his last two games he’s allowed seven combined. He did start against Minnesota in their matchup earlier this season and allowed three goals on thirty shots.
Vancouver has struggled on back to back games this season going 2-5-2 and 0-4-1 after a win.
Minnesota Wild
The Wild were also busy at the trade deadline acquiring Marc-Andre Fleury from the Chicago Blackhawks. Minnesota was in desperate need of some goaltending so that was a great move from them. With Marc Andre Fleury joining the team, they dealt goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen to San Jose for defenseman Jacob Middleton.
Fleury has yet to make his debut for his new team and is not slated to do so tonight unless something chances. Cam Talbot is expected to get the start in net who has been much better as of late and a big reason why the Wild are on a three game winning streak.
The Wild have one of the best offenses in the NHL led by up and coming super star Kirill Kaprizov. On the year the Minnesota ranks 3rd in terms of goals for averaging 3.66 and have been around that number in their last 10 averaging 3.60. They’ve been averaging more shots as of late but their shooting percentage has gone down slightly. Overall they have the 2nd best shooting percentage at 11.2%. The Wilds Power Play has also been around their season average so nothing really noteworthy there.
Minnesota ranks 20th on the season in terms of goals allowed with an average of 3.15. In their last 10 games, they’ve been worse averaging 3.30 goals against. Oddly enough, they’ve been averaging less shots on goal for in their last 10 games. However, in their last three games they have only allowed three goals. Their Penalty Kill hasn’t been great this season ranking 23rd with a 76.3 success rate and has been even worse recently. This isn’t a major concern as the Canucks don’t have a great Power Play but, as I mentioned before they have been better in their last few. Minnesota is also one of the least disciplined teams while Vancouver is one of the most disciplined.
Pick:
- VANCOUVER CANUCKS/ MINNESOTA WILD OVER 6.0 (-105) – All Books
- Both teams averaging over 3 goals for and 3 goals against in their last 10 games. Demko is obviously going through it a bit right now and Talbot is on a hot streak which isn’t typical. While Minnesota has been scoring slightly below their season average as of late, they have the capability to explode at any point. Talbot’s hot streak eventually has to come to an end, so I like the over at 6 here.
Other Picks for the Night:
- CAROLINA HURRICANES IN REGULATION (-120)
- The Hurricanes are one of the best teams in the NHL at home with a 24-5-3 record. They’ve obviously been struggling offensively as of late but have been better defensively. They also have the advantage in net tonight if the matchup is Jake Oettinger vs Frederick Anderson. The Stars have struggled defensively as of late and the Hurricanes will turn it around eventually. They’re one of the best teams in the NHL and to get this price at home, I’ll take it every day.
Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting.
