Detroit Red Wings at Minnesota Wild Betting Preview/Prop Pick

Now that the Super Bowl is over, the National Hockey League will be a big focus with sports bettors and the sportsbook. The Minnesota Wild host the Detroit Red Wings on Monday night in a game that should be an interesting matchup.

Detroit comes into this game with 50 points on the year, and they have actually been better than expected this season. The Red Wings have won two straight games, and they will come into this game with some momentum.

Minnesota enters Monday night with 61 points on the year, and they look like a team that can make some noise in the postseason. The Wild have won four of their last five games, and they have been great on their home ice all season long. 

The Minnesota Wild are the moneyline betting favorites at -235. 

Detroit Needs Some Defense

If the Red Wings are going to find a way to sneak into the postseason, then they are going to have to start being better on the defensive end. Detroit is allowing nearly 3.4 goals per game this season, and that could be a major issue in this matchup.

Alex Nedeljkovic has been decent in net for Detroit as he is holding teams to just 2.9 goals per game. The Red Wings have killed off just 78 percent of their penalties this season, and that has been an issue.

Dylan Larkin continues to be the offensive star for the Red Wings as he has racked up 24 goals and 49 points on the year. Detroit has the ability to score, and that will be needed against an explosive Wild team. 

Kaprizov Carrying the Wild

Minnesota is scoring 3.72 goals per game this season, and Kirill Kaprizov is leading the way for the Wild. Kaprizov has a team-high 20 goals and 34 assists, and he seems to be getting better as the season moves along. 

The Wild have only scored on 18 percent of their power play chances, and that will need to get better as the season moves along. Minnesota wants to play extremely fast, but that has also been an issue on the defensive end.

Minnesota is holding teams to just 2.8 goals per game, but they will have to pay close attention to Larkin on Monday night. Cam Talbot should get the task of goaltending in this matchup, and he has gone 19-8-1 on the year. 

Wild Survive Scare From Detroit

This game looks like it could be a mismatch on paper, but strange things happen in the NHL every single night. Both teams can really score goals, and that could lead to a high-scoring affair in this one.

Minnesota still needs to be a better defensive team, but the Red Wings have had trouble stopping opponents all season long. Detroit just won’t be able to stop Minnesota when it matters most, and that will let the home team take control of this game. 

The Wild are going to get a scare, but that offense will be good enough to earn a much-needed victory. Bet on the Minnesota Wild -235 and the OVER as they survive and pick up a win over the Detroit Red Wings on Monday night.

Prop Pick

Minnesota (-120) OVER 3.5 Goals

The Wild are averaging 3.7 goals per game on offense, which ranks No. 3 in the league. The Red Wings are allowing 3.4 goals per game on defense, which ranks No. 26.  Scores have gone OVER in 23 of Minnesota’s last 30 home games.

With Dunkel predicting a Minnesota win by the score of 4-3, take the Wild (-120) to finish OVER their Vegas team total of 3.5 goals against the Red Wings.
 

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