DENVER, Colo. -- The Minnesota Wild take on the Colorado Avalanche tonight at Ball Arena at 9 PM ET, marking another pivotal matchup as both teams battle for playoff positioning within the Central Division. The Wild currently stand at 34-21-4, maintaining a slender lead of just two points over the Avalanche, who sit at 34-24-2. With the intensity of rivalry heating up, both teams are eager to secure points.
The Minnesota Wild come to Denver after suffering two straight defeats, including a disheartening 6-1 rout at the hands of the Utah Hockey Club. The Wild's recent performance has raised concerns as they struggle with injuries. Key forward Kirill Kaprizov is out with a lower-body injury, significantly impacting Minnesota's offensive output. Without their leading scorer, the Wild have had to adjust their lines, introducing players like Matt Boldy, who has recorded 21 goals and 31 assists, and Marco Rossi, contributing 50 points this season. Filip Gustavsson is expected to start as the netminder following Marc-Andre Fleury's start the night before.
On the flip side, the Avalanche are buoyed by recent victories, including their latest win against the New Jersey Devils. Nathan MacKinnon has emerged as the key player, leading Colorado with 90 points, including 23 goals and 67 assists. Mackenzie Blackwood, who joined the Avalanche mid-season, has established himself as the reliable starting goaltender with impressive stats: 15-7-2 and 2.12 goals against average since his trade. The Avalanche will look to capitalize on their home advantage, where they boast a record of 17-10-2.
Projected lineups for the game see the Wild featuring Marcus Foligno, Marco Rossi, and Mats Zuccarello, along with other offensive talents like Frederick Gaudreau and Vinnie Hinostroza. Their defensive roster includes Jake Middleton paired with Brock Faber, and veterans like Jonas Brodin and Jared Spurgeon. Colorado counters with the likes of Artturi Lehkonen, who has been effective alongside MacKinnon, and Cale Makar anchoring the defense.
From a statistical angle, both teams show promising capabilities but face challenges. The Avalanche have averaged 3.20 goals per game compared to the Wild's 2.85 per game, but Minnesota has been effective defensively, allowing just 2.86 goals per game. The Wild’s road record remains the best in the NHL at 21-8-3, but they have struggled lately, raising questions about their ability to maintain this success against rivals like Colorado. Coach Dean Evason's squad is facing the pressure of bouncing back not only from their recent losses but also from injuries to key players.
Your betting odds show Colorado as the favorite to win tonight, boasting -325 moneyline odds against Minnesota's +260. Many analysts are backing Colorado to triumph, with predictions indicating they should take the match 4-2, considering the recent dips in Minnesota's form. The over/under for the game is set at 5.5 goals, reflecting both teams' scoring potential.
Head to head, Minnesota and Colorado have faced each other multiple times this season, with each team having won once, setting the stage for this compelling contest. With playoff spots tightening, every point matters significantly as the NHL season progresses.
Fans can expect intense action as both teams are committed to securing the win, marking this clash not just as another game, but as part of the long-standing feud within the division. It's sure to be another thrilling matchup, highlighting the unpredictability and excitement of NHL hockey.