NHL Betting Preview: Chicago Blackhawks at Minnesota Wild

Added on Feb 28, 2011 by Jack Thurman in

NHL

Short schedule of NHL action for Monday but we’ll take a look at a hockey betting position in a Western Conference matchup between the Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota Wild. Both teams are currently tied with 72 points but if the season ended today the Wild would be in the playoffs but the Blackhawks wouldn’t due to the tiebreaker situation.

Chicago Blackhawks at Minnesota Wild
February 28, 2011 5:05 PM Pacific

The defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks have underachieved for much of the season to the extent that they’ll have to scrap down the stretch just to qualify for the playoffs this year. Despite this, they’re still overvalued by the wagering public based on their championship season of last year. After spending much of last season at or near the top of the team defense rankings the Blackhawks are just #14 in scoring defense this season though they do have the #4 ranked scoring offense. The Wild is better defensively and after a slow start to the year have come on strong and are especially tough at the Excel Energy Center. Both teams in decent form at the moment–Minnesota is 6-3-1 while the Blackhawks are 6-2-2.

Chicago played yesterday, beating Phoenix in a hard fought game at home which needed an overtime and shootout to decide. The Wild will enter this game rested and could catch the Blackhawks in something of a ‘letdown’ situation. Minnesota has been excellent in ‘revenge’ situations this year with a 19-13 record good for +10.5 units of profit. Wild hold a 12-7 series edge and home and have been very competitive in recent years despite the Blackhawks’ success–since 2008 Chicago holds a narrow 6-5 series edge overall winning 3 of 5 in Minnesota. In both instances, the Wild have been the profitable team in the more recent matchups. Chicago has won 2 of 3 this season, though Minnesota won at Chicago on January 25. Ultimately, we think the Blackhawks are overvalued in most situations and particularly here against an evenly matched opponent in a tough home ice venue. We’ll look for the Wild to get the victory here in a low scoring game that plays Under the total. 7 of the last 9 meetings between Chicago and Minnesota have gone Under the total.

Bet Minnesota Wild +105 over Chicago Blackhawks
Play Minnesota/Chicago Under 5′ -130