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Minnesota Wild vs Colorado Avalanche Prediction 2/28/25 NHL Picks
Pick details
Colorado Avalanche (34-24-2) vs Minnesota Wild (34-21-4)
February 28, 2025 at 09:00 PM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: Colorado Avalanche -250 / Minnesota Wild +205 — Over/Under: 5.5
In this article, we will formulate a Wild vs Avalanche prediction for this NHL game on Friday, February 28th at the Ball Arena in Denver, CO. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Minnesota Wild Betting Preview
The Minnesota Wild (34-21-4, 29-30 ATS) are playing in runs right now; they were on a three-game winning run, then lost two straight, after which they also won three in a row, and now lost the previous two. The recent two defeats came to the Red Wings and Hockey Club in which the Wild scored just three goals in total. Minnesota is 3rd in the Central Division Standings with 72 points, two more than Colorado and 15 behind the top-placed Winnipeg.
The Wild average 2.85 goals per game this year (21st), while they allow 2.86 GPG (12th). Matt Boldy and Kirill Kaprizov lead the team with 52 points apiece. Marco Rossi contributes 50 points (21 G and 29 A), while Mats Zuccarello has 36 points (12 G and 34 A).
Marc-Andre Fleury (12-7-1) will probably take his place between the sticks for the Wild against the Avalanche on Friday. The 40-year-old is conceding 2.76 goals per contest this season with a .904 SV% and one shutout.
Colorado Avalanche Betting Preview
The Colorado Avalanche (34-24-2, 24-36 ATS) are not enjoying their best hockey at the moment and have been inconsistent. The Avs did win five of the previous eight games; they opened a six-game home stand with a 5-1 victory over the Devils, the first home game following a five-game road trip. On that road trip, Colorado lost to the Canucks, Predators, and Blues, while they beat the Flames and Oilers. The Avs are 4th in the Central Division Standings with 70 points, and they have a chance to leapfrog the Wild with a W here.
The Avalanche score 3.20 goals per game on average (10th), while they concede 2.98 GPG (17th). This season, Nathan MacKinnon leads the team with 90 points (23 G and 67 A). Cale Makar has 66 points (22 G and 44 A), Artturi Lehkonen posts 35 points (24 G and 11 A), and Casey Mittelstadt chips in 33 points (10 G and 23 A).
Mackenzie Blackwood (21-16-5) is expected to start for the Avs at the goal on Friday against the Wild. The 28-year-old is allowing 2.50 goals per game this year with a .917 SV% and three shutouts. The Avs will meet the Penguins, Sharks, and Maple Leafs after this game.
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Why the Wild will beat the Avalanche
- The Avalanche have lost five of their last six games as favorites following a home win.
- The Wild have won five of their last six road games following a road loss.
- The Avalanche have failed to cover the puck line in eight of their last nine night games following a win.
- The Wild have covered the puck line in each of their last four games on the second leg of a back-to-back against the Avalanche.
- The Wild have won the third period in five of their last six games at Ball Arena when leading after the second period.
Why the Avalanche will beat the Wild
- The Wild have lost six of their last seven night games against Western Conference opponents.
- The Avalanche have won five of their last six games against the Wild.
- The Wild have failed to cover the puck line in six of their last seven night games against Western Conference opponents.
- The Avalanche have covered the puck line in each of their last three games at Ball Arena.
- The Avalanche have won the first period in six of their last seven home games against the Wild following a home win.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Avalanche’s last six games as favorites against opponents on a losing streak has gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Seven of the Wild’s last eight games as underdogs on the second leg of a back-to-back have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3’ market has hit in each of the Wild’s last eight games as underdogs against Western Conference opponents.
- The ‘Over 2.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in three of the last four games between the Wild and Avalanche.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Colorado Avalanche are one of only four teams to win a game when trailing by 3 or more goals after Period 1 this season.
- The Colorado Avalanche are one of only five teams with two players to record at least 40 assists this season (Martin Necas, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar).
- The Minnesota Wild rank 29th in the league for Period 2 goals scored per game this season (0.81).
- The Minnesota Wild rank 27th in the league for shots against per game this season (29.9).
Wild vs Avalanche Prediction
These divisional rivals have met twice this season, and each time, the visiting team came up with a victory. Colorado is on a three-game winning streak at home, conceding just one goal in the process while scoring 12 in return. The Avs’ improved home defense is a good sign they can keep the Wild to one goal. Minnesota was held scoreless in two of the last four away games, while the Wild scored just one in the most recent 6-1 loss at Utah. While I am leaning toward the Avalanche, I am going with Under in this encounter.
