Free Picks: Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche

Defense has been the bread and butter for both teams this season. The ability to keep opposing teams from running up the score has helped both Minnesota and Colorado capture wins in the early going. However, there have been a few instances this season where scores have been unusual, which leads me to believe Saturday’s contest will be anything but ordinary.

When you think of some of the top teams in the league, the Wild may not come to mind. I say that’s fair, but in the early going of the season, Minnesota has been able to hang with the rest of the top teams in the West Division.

Saturday night, the Wild will be tested when they take on the Colorado Avalanche.

I’ll admit I am torn on which way I want to bet. Both Colorado and Minnesota are two of the better defensive teams in the division but have scoring capabilities.

I am leaning towards taking the over in total goals, however. See, it’s tough to bet against the Avalanche’s offense. Colorado has scored the most goals (28) in the division and have firepower on every line. But this season, both Minnesota and Colorado have participated in some low scoring games.

When I sift through Colorado’s lineup, a number of players jump out at me that are itching to have a big night. On top of that, the Avalanche had their fair share of goals against. Teams like the LA Kings, St. Louis Blues, and Anaheim Ducks have all been able to score multiple goals against Colorado, which makes me feel at ease about taking the over. If a team like Anaheim can tally 3 goals against the Avalanche, surely the Wild will be able to match that performance.

I have to trust that the top players of Colorado and Minnesota will do their jobs and score goals Saturday night. After seeing recent scores between the two teams, I am confident that the over will cash in this contest.

If you read my articles on BetPicks, you know that I love goals. I routinely try and find games that will produce high-scoring contests and while I don’t think this will be an 8-7 offensive extravaganza, I don’t see either team being denied on the scoreboard.

Minnesota and Colorado own two of the top defenses in the NHL, but they have allowed some stinkers as well. I see enough goals being scored to make the over hit.

• The total has gone OVER in 12 of Colorado’s last 18 games.
• Colorado are 5-2 SU in last 7 games.
• Minnesota are 8-4 SU in last 12 games played in January.
• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota’s last 6 games.