The Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche continue what has already been a very dramatic second-round series in the NHL Playoffs. Colorado kicked things off with an unheard of score of 9-6, and will look to earn a 2-0 series lead.
Game 2 brings lots of excitement, as we all wait to see how this series can further elevate. Colorado has now won every one of their playoff games so far, but Minnesota greatly impressed in the first round, and are a massive threat.
Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche betting picks and predictions
Minnesota Wild +1.5 (-150)
In a gruelling six-game series in Round One, Minnesota took down a dominant Dallas Stars team. This was an extremely impressive start to their Stanley Cup hunt, proving they can rise to the challenge and take down a true contender. Their challenge is even greater now against the Presidents’ Trophy winner in Colorado, but I am liking their chances as an underdog.
In Game 1, Colorado jumped out to a 3-0 lead, but Minnesota was not going to go out quietly. They quickly clawed back to make it a 3-2 game, and eventually owned a 4-3 lead in the second period. We all know how it played out in the end, but Minnesota’s resilience sparks confidence.
A key to their success against Dallas was their overall team contributions. Like most teams, Minnesota leans heavily on their core stars, but I have seen a deep commitment from the entire roster. The same can be said in Game 1, with 11 players chipping in on the scoresheet.
Regardless of how Game 2 ends, Minnesota will be in the fight for the entire game. They have the roster that can run with Colorado, along with a fire to avenge an embarrassing result of 9 goals allowed.
Over 6.5 (-105)
The last time we saw 15+ combined goals in a playoff game was May of 2022, but prior to that, it was April of 1993. Game 1 was an absolute offensive circus, and while it is highly doubtful every game will transpire as such, each team is clearly built to score.
This season, Colorado led the entire NHL in goals per game (3.63), and Minnesota was impressive in their own right (3.27). Both teams are averaging over 4.10 goals-per-game in the playoffs, and are showing no signs of slowing down. Game 2 will bring high drama again, and so far it seems this series will be won by ways of offense.
A major bounceback performance from goaltenders Jesper Wallstedt and Scott Wedgewood is likely on its way, as they posted an .810 and .833 save percentage, respectively, but they may not be out of the woods just yet. When the likes of Nathan MacKinnon, Kirill Kaprizov, Quinn Hughes, and Cale Makar are constantly on the ice, offense is all but a guarantee.
Kirill Kaprizov over 3.5 shots (+105)
Kirill Kaprizov is the offensive leader for the Wild, and one of the elite forwards in the NHL. Minnesota’s success is highly contingent on his performance, and in an offensive explosion in Game 1, he was quiet. With 6 goals scored by the Wild and 36 shots taken, Kaprizov accumulated just 1 assist and 1 shot.
The sharp-shooting Russian has scored 40+ goals in four of his past five seasons, with a 0.58 goals-per-game average over his 397-game career. He has also averaged 3.52 shots-per-game over his career.
While Kaprizov has just 2 shots in his last 2 games, he accumulated 8 shots in the prior 2 games. Each game going forward is the most important of his career, and he should be firing on all cylinders. This must be the case in what could already be seen as a must-win for his team.
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Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche odds
Minnesota Wild | +165 |
Colorado Avalanche | -200 |
Puck Line | COL Avalanche -1.5 |
Total | O/U 6.5 |
Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche player props
Anytime goalscorer
Nathan MacKinnon (COL Avalanche) | -115 |
Kirill Kaprizov (MIN Wild) | +255 |
Matthew Boldy (MIN Wild) | +255 |
Martin Necas (COL Avalanche) | +265 |
Gabriel Landeskog (COL Avalanche) | +270 |
Brock Nelson (COL Avalanche) | +290 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
