NHL
Mike Schultz
October 24, 2017

Vancouver Canucks vs. Minnesota Wild: NHL Odds, Prediction

Following a rough start, the Vancouver Canucks got some hard-earned wins this past week when they visited the Buffalo Sabres and the Detroit Red Wings. They’ll be trying for a third straight W tonight against their old Northwest Division rivals, the Minnesota Wild.

When: 8:00 PM, October 24, 2017
Where: Xcel Energy Center, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Moneyline: Wild -210

NHL Odds and Betting Analysis

Vancouver is currently at 4-3-1, but got a couple consecutive wins for the first time this season. Minnesota’s showing has been as middle of the road as it gets, with a 2-2-2 record so far. The Wild’s roster is bruised up right now, with Zach Parise, Mikael Granlund and Nino Niederreiter all out. And still, the Canucks are the underdog here, given the Canuck’s battered defense and their dismal record in Minnesota.

Minnesota Wild

A recent spat of injuries on this team has allowed some key players to step up and make huge impressions in Minny, and Chris Stewart has answered the call. Stewart has had six goals in six games, and now has the advantage of playing at home as the Wild start a six-game home stand today. A stack of wins at home would change the tone of the season, since as it stands, the Wild are +750 favorites to win the Central Division.

Minnesota has one of the fastest teams in the league, and one of the strongest defensive lines. They also have players like Mikko Koivu, who are historically good at shutting down the Vancouver Canucks. To win this one with their lineup as spotty as it is, they’ll have to rely on their speed and the fact that the Canucks are known to struggle in Minnesota.

Vancouver Canucks

Derek Dorsett had been the focus of much criticism on the Canucks 4th line, which has served to light a fire under him, as he’s now leading the team in goals and is tied for the most points. He’s notched four goals in his last three games, including the GWG in Detroit last weekend. Brock Boeser, who is actually a Minnesota native, will want to put on a show for his home town fans.

The Canucks will be looking to take advantage of Devan Dubnyk, the Wild netminder who’s been struggling with consistency this season. If they can get an early goal and set a tone, the Canucks have a real shot at their third consecutive win, which would be a huge confidence boost considering these are road wins.