Minnesota Wild vs. Chicago Blackhawks Betting Preview
Where: United Center – Chicago, IL
When: Sunday, January 15, 2017, 7:00 PM ET
Line: Minnesota Wild at Chicago Blackhawks – view all NHL lines
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Betting on the Minnesota Wild (27-9-5)
Minnesota continued their winning ways Saturday night, but not without scaring their fans. In the 5-4 win over the Stars, they almost blew a four-goal lead (all of which were nade in the first period) before a Jason Zuecker score midway in the fourth bailed them out. With the victory, the Wild are now winners in 16 of their last 18 games.
As owners of one of the most potent offenses and defenses today, there’s no reason to think that they will be unable to sustain their momentum as the season goes along.
The offensive attack is mainly powered by Eric Staal, Charlie Coyle, Mikael Granlund, and Mikko Koivu, who each have 30-plus points and 10-plus goals this season. With the help of those four, the Wild are top five overall in goals and points.
Their great D, meanwhile, is translating into having the highest save percentage (93 percent) and second-fewest goals allowed in the league (90). Both are of course through the stellar play of Devan Dubnyk, who is registering a career-high and league-leading 93.4 save percentage and 1.77 GAA.
Betting on the Chicago Blackhawks (27-13-5)
The Blackhawks had a really dark Friday the 13th, as they saw their four-game winning streak end by getting smashed by the Capitals, 6-0. Despite the loss, though, they are still tied for first place in the Central Divison with Minnesota (59 points).
In trying to have a bounce back performance, the Blackhawks will need a better showing on defense. The team is fourth overall in save percentage (92 percent) and 11th in goals against (113), but in their last two, they have already given up nine.
Corey Crawford is getting blasted as of late. Combining the numbers in his last four outings, he has allowed 13 goals in the 100 shots he has faced (88.5 save percentage).
Over at the offense, they’ll have plenty of guys that can give problems. Through Patrick Kane, Artem Anisimov, Artemi Panarin, Marian Hossa, Ryan Hartman, and Richard Panik, who each have 10 or more goals scored this season, the Blackhawks are ranking 10th in the league in goals.
Writer’s Prediction
The Wild wins, 5-3.
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