A couple of teams squaring off for the second time this season, the Minnesota Wild and the Chicago Blackhawks collide at the United Center. WGN Channel 9 will broadcast this divisional matchup, and the puck drops at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 18.
Minnesota Wild vs. Chicago Blackhawks Odds
Minnesota is 12-8 straight up (SU) and has earned 3.8 units for moneyline bettors this year. 10 of its contests have gone over the total, while eight have gone under and just one has pushed. This 2018-19 Wild team is 6-4 SU on the road.
Minnesota has converted on 21.2 percent of its power play opportunities this season, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked third overall, and it has successfully killed off 85.7 percent of its penalties.
Minnesota, as a collective unit, has been called for penalties 4.3 times per game this season, and 2.2 per game over its last five road outings. The team’s had to kill penalties just 7.0 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Averaging 29.2 saves per game with a .925 save percentage, Devan Dubnyk (9-7-2) has been the best option in goal for Minnesota this season. Dubnyk did just play yesterday, however, so head coach Bruce Boudreau might decide to rest him and instead go with Alex Stalock (3-1 record, .905 save percentage, 2.73 goals against average).
Mikael Granlund and Mikko Koivu will both be relied on to produce for the visiting Wild. Granlund (19 points) has tallied 10 goals and nine assists, and has recorded multiple points four times. Koivu has four goals and 13 assists to his credit (and has registered a point in nine games).
Chicago is 7-13 straight up (SU) and has lost 6.7 units for moneyline bettors thus far. Through 20 regular season contests, 10 of its games have gone over the total, while another 10 have gone under and none have pushed. It’s 4-6 SU at home this year.
Chicago has converted on just 13.1 percent of its power play chances this year, a figure that’s ranked 29th in the NHL. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked 26th overall, and it’s successfully killed off 74.5 percent of all penalties.
The Blackhawks have been penalized only 3.1 times per game this season, and 1.8 per game over their last five home outings. The team has had to defend opponent power plays just 8.3 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Corey Crawford has denied 27.8 shots per game as the top netminder in goal for Chicago. Crawford has four wins, seven losses, and one overtime loss to his credit and has recorded a .916 save percentage and 2.57 goals against average this season.
Patrick Kane (12 goals, 11 assists) will pace the offensive attack for the Blackhawks.
Minnesota Wild vs. Chicago Blackhawks Betting Picks
Pick: SU Winner – Blackhawks, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Trends
The under has hit in four of Chicago’s last five games.
The Blackhawks are 2-7 in games where they serve fewer penalty minutes than their opponent and 5-10 when they serve fewer than 10 total penalty minutes.
Chicago has averaged 6.2 takeaways per game over its last five home games, a slight drop from its season average of 6.9 takeaways per game (ranked 19th in the league).
Minnesota skaters have created 4.0 takeaways per game over its last five road games, a drop-off from its season average of 6.7 takeaways per game (ranked 22nd).
Minnesota might hold an advantage if it’s a tight one late. The team’s 6-4 in one-goal games, while Chicago is 4-6 in such games.
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