Wild vs Avalanche: Picks, Predictions, Odds, and Props for Game 1

• The Colorado Avalanche host the Minnesota Wild in the opening game of their second round series
• These two Central Division rivals have split their last last eight meetings in the last two seasons
• See my Wild vs Avalanche preview with public betting trends, with my favorite picks and prediction

The stakes are massive as the Western Conference Semifinals get underway, featuring a heavyweight tilt between the Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche. Both squads enter Game 1 coming off series victories against the Stars and Kings, respectively. Colorado is the -170 home favorite in the NHL odds, after sweeping LA. On the flip side, Minnesota shapes up as a highly dangerous road underdog, carrying serious momentum into this affair after rattling off three straight victories to oust Dallas in 6 games.

Puck drop is set to drop at 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT Sunday evening, with TNT/truTV/HBO Max with the coverage in the United States and Sportsnet in Canada. Continue reading for my favorite picks to wager on for this clash and what the public is favoring in this skirmish. Colorado is the +230 favorite in the Stanley Cup odds, while Minnesota is the fifth choice at +1000.

Wild vs Avalanche Picks and Predictions

Through four playoff games, the Avalanche have been an absolute brick wall, allowing a staggeringly low 1.25 goals against per average while boasting an elite .950 team save percentage. The Wild have also been structurally sound, yielding just 2.33 goals across their six playoff skirmishes with a reliable .919 save percentage.

Game Pick: Under 5.5 Goals (+110 at DraftKings)

The defensive metrics scream “under,” and the situational trends heavily back up this play. Colorado’s ability to clog the neutral zone and shut down opponents at Ball Arena has been lights out.

• The over has failed to hit in each of the last six Avalanche games at home.
• The over has hit in only one of the last five meetings between the Wild and Avalanche.
• The over has failed to hit in each of Colorado’s last four games against top 10 scoring defenses.

Best Player Prop Bets

Ross Colton OVER 1.5 Shots on Goal (-160 at bet365)

Ross Colton is consistently firing pucks on net, and his historical numbers against Minnesota make this highly appealing.

• Colton has exceeded 1.5 shots on goal in six straight games against the Wild, averaging 2.67 shots per tilt.
• He’s also gone over this 1.5 shots prop in six home games in a row vs top-10 scoring defenses, averaging 3.33 shots per game in those situations.
• Colton has fired at least two pucks on net in eight straight and nine of ten against Minnesota.

Wild vs Avalanche Public Betting Splits

• Moneyline: In the NHL public betting trends, Colorado dominates the handle, commanding a heavy 88% of the total stake along with 93% of the total bets.
• Puck Line: The handle favors the road underdog, with Minnesota taking in 53% of the stake, even though the Avalanche hold the majority of the tickets (55%).
• Total (Over/Under): Bettors are backing the over goal total, with 83% of the wagers allocated to that, though 51% of the cash is on the under.

Odds as of Sunday, May 3rd. Claim the bet365 bonus code to bet on the Wild vs Avalanche.

Wild vs Avalanche Starting Goalies Matchup

Both goaltenders were tremendous in the first round of the postseason. Jesper Wallstedt aided in Minnesota dispatching Dallas in 6 games, and Scott Wedgewood backstopped the Avs’ sweep of the Kings.

Wild vs Avalanche Projected Lineups

Wild vs Avalanche Injury Updates

• Jonas Brodin, Defenseman (MIN) – OUT (Lower Body)
• Joel Eriksson Ek, Center (MIN) – QUESTIONABLE (Undisclosed)
• Josh Manson, Defenseman (COL) – DAY-TO-DAY (Upper Body)
• Joel Kiviranta, Forward (COL) – DAY-TO-DAY (Undisclosed)

Wild vs Avalanche Game Info and Where to Watch

• Date: Sunday, May 3
• Puck Drop: 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT
• Venue: Ball Arena
• Location: Denver, Colorado
• Away Team: Minnesota Wild
• Home Team: Colorado Avalanche
• TV Network: TNT/truTV/HBO Max