The Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks take things outdoors as TCF Bank Stadium is the venue when the two Central Division rivals faceoff in Minneapolis Sunday afternoon.
- The Blackhawks are 7-1 in their last eight games versus the Central Division.
- The Wild are 0-4 in their last four versus the Central Division.
- OVER is 9-1-1 in the Wild’s last 11 games overall.
While still technically a home game, dedicated Wild backers will be somewhat relieved that their team is not immediately returning to the Xcel Energy Center. The Wild have lost their last eight home games heading into Sunday’s contest, but are playing some of their best hockey of the season after winning all three games on Western Canadian road trip. Minnesota’s last win in front of home fans came on December 28 with a 3-1 triumph of the the Detroit Red Wings.
The Blackhawks have posted back-to-back wins heading into Sunday and have tallied 12 goals in the two victories. The Hawks are no strangers to outdoor games as this will be their fourth since 2009. They’ve gone 1-2 in the previous three and lost 3-2 to the Washington Capitals in last year’s Winter Classic on New Year’s Day in their most recent venture outdoors.
Take note: the road team has been the hot bet when the NHL goes outside. Visiting teams have gone 8-2 in the last 10 outdoor games, including the Montreal Canadiens defeating the Boston Bruins 5-1 in the Winter Classic on New Year’s Day this year.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
If you're going with the Minnesota Wild in this one, they were listed as moneyline underdogs of 102 on most NHL hockey betting menus (such as Sportsbook) early today for Sunday's contest. The over-under total was at 5 earlier at Sportsbook.
Odds Shark computer prediction formulas pick a 3.2-2.5 win for the Wild on Sunday. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Minnesota Wild Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Wild sit at 26-22-10 on the season; in comparison, the Chicago Blackhawks are currently 38-18-5. Looking to wager on the totals? Minnesota is 23-25-10 OU, and Chicago is 21-28-12 OU. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Minnesota vs Chicago injuries news.
According to new NHL Power Rankings here at Odds Shark, it's the No. 20-ranked Minnesota Wild and the No. 5-rated Chicago Blackhawks in this matchup.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Minnesota's No. 18-ranked offense, averaging 2.59 goals per game, against a Blackhawks defense that ranks No. 3 at 2.33 goals allowed. The Wild power play is averaging 18.75% while the Blackhawks defense kills off 79.76% of their penalties.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Last time out for Chicago, they were a 5-3 Sportsbook as they battled the Rangers on the road. Moneyline bettors who got the Blackhawks at -104 were rewarded, while the 8 combined goals moved the game OVER for totals bettors.
Last time out for Minnesota, they were a 5-2 Sportsbook as they battled the Oilers on the road. Moneyline bettors who got the Wild at +106 were rewarded, while the 7 combined goals moved the game OVER for totals bettors.
- Chicago is 18-6 SU in its last 24 games
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 7 games
- Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
- Chicago is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing Minnesota
- Minnesota is 4-13 SU in its last 17 games
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games
- Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
- Minnesota is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing Chicago
Next Betting Matchups
Chicago home to Nashville, Thursday, February 25th
Minnesota home to New York, Tuesday, February 23rd
