NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
The Minnesota Wild travel to the United Center on Tuesday night looking to snap a three-game skid and tighten their grip on third place in the Central Division. Despite their recent winless stretch, Minnesota remains in a solid postseason position, sitting 14 points clear of the playoff bubble. This matchup kicks off a home-and-home series against a Chicago Blackhawks squad that has struggled for consistency but recently proved dangerous by sweeping a home-and-home of their own against Utah last week.
Chicago enters this 7:30 PM ET contest on TNT following a humbling 4-0 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday. The Blackhawks have found success when they can stay in games early, but as defenseman Alex Vlasic noted, they are “hard to compete with once they get a lead.” For Minnesota, the story has been similar; early deficits against the Flyers, Rangers, and Maple Leafs proved too steep to climb. However, with Vladimir Tarasenko hitting his 700th career point on Sunday and the team playing what goalie Jesper Wallstedt called “the style of hockey we want to play,” the Wild are heavy favorites to get back into the win column tonight.
The narrative of the night centers on the return of former Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno to Chicago for the first time since being traded to Minnesota on March 6. While he won’t get to suit up alongside his brother Marcus, who remains sidelined, Nick’s leadership is expected to provide a spark for a Wild room that is currently integrating several new bodies for the stretch run.
Discover the Sharpest NHL Picks on the Market
Bet with confidence, backed by data
Minnesota Wild vs Chicago Blackhawks Odds
Bettors should remember that these are the current market prices and that it is wise to monitor the latest NHL odds as we get closer to puck drop.
| Team | Moneyline | Puck Line | Total |
| Minnesota Wild | -186 | -1.5 (+141) | O 6.0 (-119) |
| Chicago Blackhawks | +155 | +1.5 (-170) | U 6.0 (+100) |
Minnesota Wild Betting Form
The Wild’s current three-game losing streak is a bit of a statistical anomaly given their season-long performance. They rank 8th in the NHL in scoring (3.26 goals per game) and boast the 5th-best power play in the league at nearly 25%. Kirill Kaprizov remains the engine of the offense with 79 points, while Matt Boldy has been a thorn in Chicago’s side all season, recording four points in their two previous meetings.
Minnesota has excelled on the road this year, going 20-12 against the spread (ATS) away from home. Their ability to dominate at even strength—where they have a +12 goal differential—makes them a very difficult matchup for a Chicago team that struggles with depth. For a deeper look at their underlying metrics and recent splits, you can check out Minnesota Wild stats and results.
Success tonight will depend on the health of their forward group. While Marcus Foligno is out, the team is also monitoring Bobby Brink (upper body). Before placing any bets, make sure to check the Minnesota Wild injury report for the final status of their middle-six rotation, as the “interchangeable” lineup Jake Middleton mentioned could lead to some early chemistry issues.
Chicago Blackhawks Betting Form
Chicago’s season has been defined by the development of Connor Bedard, who leads the team with 62 points. The Blackhawks are a significantly better team at the United Center, where they have played to a 21-12 ATS record. Their primary strength this season has been an elite penalty kill that ranks 1st in the NHL at 84.85%. If they can keep this game at 5-on-5, they have a puncher’s chance to pull off the upset.
The Blackhawks have leaned on Spencer Knight in net, who has maintained a solid .908 save percentage despite the high volume of shots he faces. Tyler Bertuzzi has also been a bright spot, leading the team with 28 goals. To see if Chicago can continue their trend of covering as home underdogs, view the Chicago Blackhawks schedule and stats.
Defenseman Wyatt Kaiser is expected to return tonight after missing the Vegas game with a shoulder injury, which should provide some stability to a back end that was picked apart on Saturday. However, with Oliver Moore still out and Shea Weber on LTIR, the depth remains thin. Always consult the Chicago Blackhawks injury report to see if any late-season call-ups from Rockford are expected to crack the lineup.
Minnesota Wild vs Chicago Blackhawks Matchup Breakdown
This game is a battle of Minnesota’s 5th-ranked power play against Chicago’s 1st-ranked penalty kill. If the Wild can break through on the man advantage, they will likely run away with this one. However, if Chicago can turn this into a low-scoring, “mucky” game at the United Center, they have shown they can win tight 3-2 or 4-3 contests, as they did twice against Utah last week.
Goaltending is the other major factor. Filip Gustavsson (2.50 GAA) has been much more consistent than Chicago’s tandem. Minnesota’s ability to generate nearly 30 shots per game should eventually wear down the Chicago defense, especially if the Blackhawks continue their trend of allowng multiple goals in the first period. For more perspective on how these special teams matchups impact the betting lines, an NHL betting guide can offer deeper insights.
The emotional angle of Nick Foligno’s return shouldn’t be ignored either. Teams often play with an extra gear for a respected former captain. If you are looking for advanced NHL betting strategies, consider how “revenge” or “return” games can influence player props, particularly Foligno’s shots on goal or anytime goalscorer odds.
Minnesota Wild vs Chicago Blackhawks Predictions and Best Bets
Despite the Wild’s recent three-game skid, they are the far superior team in almost every statistical category. They have beaten Chicago in both meetings this season—albeit both by a single goal—and the desperation to stop their slide should lead to a highly focused effort. Chicago is a game opponent at home, but their 30th-ranked offense will have a hard time keeping pace if Minnesota finds their rhythm early.
My model suggests the Wild break their losing streak here. While the -186 moneyline is steep, the puck line at +141 offers excellent value. Minnesota is due for a multi-goal win, and Chicago is coming off a game where they were completely shut out. I expect Kaprizov and Boldy to lead the way in a relatively comfortable road victory.
Regarding the total, the Under 6.0 at +100 is an interesting look. Both teams have been struggling to find the back of the net consistently in March, and with Chicago’s elite penalty kill, a 4-1 or 3-1 Minnesota win fits the profile perfectly.
Best Bet: Minnesota Wild puck line -1.5 (+141).
UP TO $250 BONUS BET
The Best Live In-Game Betting
21+ Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
NHL Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
Winning in the NHL requires tracking more than just the box scores; you need to understand the situational spots and locker room dynamics. At ScoresAndStats, our today’s NHL picks are backed by a team of analysts who live and breathe the game. You can follow the top sports handicappers on our site to see who is currently profiting on Western Conference matchups.
Our handicapper leaderboard is updated in real-time for full transparency. For those looking for an extra edge tonight, you can buy expert picks or browse our free NHL picks to help build your bankroll for the Stanley Cup playoffs.
