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The NHL regular season resumes with a heavyweight Central Division clash as the league-leading Colorado Avalanche host the Minnesota Wild at Ball Arena. This 9:00 PM puck drop on ESPN+ features two of the most explosive offenses in the Western Conference. Colorado enters with a staggering 37-9-9 record, sitting atop the NHL standings, while Minnesota (34-14-10) looks to build on their third-place position in the division. Both teams were white-hot heading into the break, making this a potential preview of a Western Conference Finals showdown.
Colorado has been nearly unbeatable at home, but Minnesota’s recent 6-5 thriller over Nashville proves they can win high-scoring track meets. The Avalanche are currently priced as -156 home favorites, but with Nathan MacKinnon listed as out for non-injury related reasons, the Wild see a massive opportunity to steal points at plus money (+132).
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Minnesota Wild vs Colorado Avalanche Odds
As the league returns from the Olympic pause, keep an eye on the latest NHL odds for any shifts following morning skates.
| Team | Moneyline | Puck Line | Total |
| Minnesota Wild | +132 | +1.5 (-182) | O 6.5 (-106) |
| Colorado Avalanche | -156 | -1.5 (+152) | U 6.5 (-116) |
Minnesota Wild Betting Form
The Wild are an offensive juggernaut, ranking 7th in the league in goals (192) and 3rd in power play efficiency. Matt Boldy is coming off a massive hat-trick performance and alongside Kirill Kaprizov, they form one of the most dangerous duos in hockey. Minnesota has been a fantastic bet for those taking the “Over,” hitting it in 80% of their last ten games.
One of their most profitable trends is their resilience as an underdog; they have covered the puck line in 75% of games when the odds are against them. Defensively, the loss of Jonas Brodin (undisclosed) hurts, but Quinn Hughes has stepped up as a shot-blocking force. For a closer look at their situational trends, check out the Minnesota Wild stats and results. Ensure you verify the Minnesota Wild injury report before puck drop, as defensive pairings may shift.
Colorado Avalanche Betting Form
The Avalanche are the gold standard of the NHL this season, ranking 1st in goals, assists, and overall points. Cale Makar continues to play at a Norris-caliber level, leading a transition game that most teams simply cannot contain. Even with MacKinnon and Landeskog out, Colorado’s depth has shone through, with Martin Necas providing elite secondary scoring.
Colorado is also a puck line machine, covering 65.9% of the time as a favorite. Their defensive structure is bolstered by Scott Wedgewood, who has been reliable in high-danger situations. You can track their home dominance on the Colorado Avalanche schedule and stats page. Also, stay updated with the Colorado Avalanche injury report to see if any depth players are activated for tonight’s game.
Minnesota Wild vs Colorado Avalanche Matchup Breakdown
This game is a battle of special teams. Minnesota’s 3rd-ranked power play meets a Colorado unit that leads the league in almost every offensive category. If you are looking for an NHL expert betting guide, pay attention to the “rest vs. rust” factor. Both teams had players at the Olympics, but Colorado’s systems are so well-oiled that they typically recover faster.
Minnesota’s best path to victory is to turn this into a physical battle and utilize their hit-heavy forecheck to disrupt Makar’s puck movement. However, the Avalanche have the 2nd most blocks in the league, showing they aren’t afraid to get dirty to protect a lead. For fans looking at the long game, this matchup has huge implications for Stanley Cup betting futures.
- Colorado is 35-9 straight up this season (79.5% win rate).
- Minnesota has hit the Over in 4 of their last 5 games.
- Colorado leads the NHL in both goals (211) and assists (371).
- Minnesota covers the puck line 75% of the time as an underdog.
Minnesota Wild vs Colorado Avalanche Predictions and Best Bets
While Minnesota is a tempting underdog, Colorado’s depth and home-ice advantage at Ball Arena are difficult to bet against. The Avalanche have proven they can win without MacKinnon by relying on their elite defensive core to drive the play. My model projects a 4-2 victory for the Avalanche.
Despite Minnesota’s recent “Over” trend, the under 6.5 at -116 is the “Lean” here. Both teams have elite goaltending and should be playing with a playoff-level intensity that emphasizes defensive structure. The Avalanche moneyline at -156 is the strongest play on the board for this Thursday night slate.
Best Bet: Colorado Avalanche moneyline (-156).
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NHL Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
For more detailed analysis and the most accurate data, follow today’s NHL picks from the experts at ScoresAndStats. Our top sports handicappers have their eyes on every line movement and injury update in the Central Division.
Check the handicapper leaderboard to see who is on a hot streak. Whether you want to buy expert picks or just browse our NHL game previews, we provide everything you need to make an informed wager.
