Free Picks: Minnesota Wild vs. Vegas Golden Knights

The Golden Knights and Wild have made a name for themselves based on defensive capabilities. With these two defensive squads going head-to-head, will goal-scoring be practically non-existent? I take a look at the total goals for this prediction, as two highly-skilled teams look to impress in their own end. Ready for playoffs, how will both teams handle each other’s defensive talents?

While Vegas and Minnesota employ top level-offenses, I believe neither team will see much goal-scoring Monday night. 

I won’t come out and say either team will be held goalless. However, I do think that this will be a low-scoring game. Remember that stat indicating that the most common NHL final score is 3-2? I think that statistic plays a huge factor in this BetPicks Prediction. 

Minnesota and Vegas are in the upper-echelon of defensive NHL teams. And when two highly talented defensive teams compete, expect it to be low-scoring. 

In six games this season against one another, the over (of 5.5) has cashed 50% of the time. However, I don’t see this as a potential toss-up. 

As the NHL season progresses, teams get stronger and the finer details are more consistent. We have seen sloppy hockey earlier this season, but both teams are gearing up for the playoffs. This will be a huge proving ground for both teams and this is also a potential first-round match-up.  

I think both teams will play conservatively, which is great for the under in total goals. Neither team will want to make a mistake, which leads me to believe taking the under in total goals will be your best NHL bet for this game. 

Minnesota and Vegas are known for their defensive play. Both teams are ranked in the top 10 in goals against. I think we’ll see a defensive clinic in Minnesota on Monday.

• The under has cashed in 6 of Minnesota’s last 9 against Vegas. 
• Minnesota is ranked 7th in goals against at home. 
• The total has gone under in 4 of Vegas’ last 6games on the road. 
• The Golden Knights are ranked 1st in goals against.