Minnesota Wild at Calgary Flames Betting Preview/Prop Pick

A pair of playoff teams are set to meet up in Calgary on Saturday night when the Flames host the Minnesota Wild. Both teams are still a bit underrated at this time, but this could be one of the best NHL matchups of the day.

Minnesota burst onto the scene a season ago, and they have turned into a true playoff contender this season. The Wild have gone just 1-4 in their last five games, but they have 65 points and sit in third place in the Central Division.

Calgary currently leads the Pacific Division with 66 points, and they were not supposed to be in this position. The Flames just had a long winning streak snapped, and they will be looking to get something going once again. 

The Calgary Flames are the betting favorites at -145 on the moneyline for this matchup. 

Wild Winning With Offense

Minnesota has a young team that is loaded with talent, but they win games in one specific way. The Wild are averaging over 3.7 goals per game this season, and they have shown the ability to overwhelm opponents at times. 

Kirill Kaprizov has been the brightest star in Minnesota as he has racked up 23 goals and 39 assists to lead the way. The Wild average just 32.5 shots per game, but they are a team that makes the most out of opportunities. 

Defense has been an issue of late for Minnesota as they have allowed 22 goals in their last five games. Goaltender Cam Talbot will need to step up and play well if the Wild are going to win this one. 

Flames Looking to Play Slow

Calgary comes into Saturday averaging 3.36 goals per game, but they are also giving up just 2.4 goals on the defensive end. The Flames have the offense to keep up with the Wild, but slowing things down will be an even better strategy.

This team has killed off 84 percent of their own penalties, and they make life difficult for every single opponent. Calgary will be looking to play physical with Kaprizov and the rest of the Wild offensive stars. 

Johnny Gaudreau has 44 assists and 64 total points on the year for this Calgary team, and he is an offensive threat when he is on the ice. Calgary will have to score, but they also need to slow down the tempo in this game.

Wild Steal One In Calgary

This should be a highly-entertaining game as both teams can really score on the offensive end. Calgary has been the much better defensive team this season, and that should allow them to take control of this matchup. 

Life on the road in the NHL is never easy, especially making the trip all the way up to Calgary. Don’t be surprised to see this game come down to the final minutes, but it will be the Wild that get the decisive goal. 

Bet the Minnesota Wild +125 as they pick up this win over the Calgary Flames on Saturday night.

Prop Pick

Minnesota (+200) OVER 3.5 Goals

Minnesota is averaging 3.7 goals per game on offense, which ranks No. 3 in the league. Scores have gone OVER in five of the Wild’s last six games overall.

With Dunkel predicting a Minnesota victory by the score of 4-3, take the Wild (+200) to finish OVER their Vegas team total of 3.5 goals against the Flames.

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