Chicago Blackhawks (7-15-0) vs. Minnesota Wild (7-10-4)
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Minnesota Wild 12/3/23 – The Chicago Blackhawks take on the Minnesota Wild in a Sunday NHL matchup. The Blackhawks, with a 7-15-0 record, look to upset the Wild, who hold a slightly better 7-10-4 record. This No-Cost NHL Analysis will examine the standings, offenses, defenses, goaltending, betting odds and trends to provide picks and predictions for this Western Conference clash.
The Chicago Blackhawks offense, led by centers Connor Bedard and Philipp Kurashev, has struggled this season, ranked 30th in the league at 2.14 goals per game. However, they catch a break facing a Wild defense allowing 3.48 goals per contest, 26th in the NHL. Chicago needs to capitalize on Minnesota’s porous defense.
Minnesota Wild’s offense presents a tougher challenge for the Blackhawks defense. The Wild offense ranks 13th, led by right wing Mats Zuccarello. The Blackhawks will rely on goaltender Petr Mrazek to keep Minnesota’s scorers like Zuccarello and Kaprizov at bay.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Minnesota Wild 12/3/23 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 2:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Xcel Energy Center |
| TV: | NHL |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Petr Mrazek vs. Goaltender Filip Gustavsson
Mrazek has struggled mightily in the crease for the Blackhawks this season. He carries a lackluster 3.37 goals against average along with a .900 save percentage over 13 appearances. Mrazek has allowed 3 or more goals in six of his last seven starts. One area he has benefited from is facing a mediocre power play, with teams converting at just a 15.1% clip. He catches a Wild team whose power play ranks 22nd in the league. If Mrazek can avoid the big mistake and stay fundamentally sound, he can keep the game close. However, his numbers inspire little confidence coming into this matchup. The veteran Mrazek has all the tools to succeed, but he must regain his focus in the crease. Playing for his fourth team in five seasons, Mrazek needs to prove he can still shoulder the load as a number one goalie.
Gustavsson has left much to be desired this campaign after showing some promise last season. He’s surrendered 3 or more goals in six straight starts, ballooning his goals against average to 3.46. His save percentage has also taken a nosedive, currently sitting at .891 over 13 games played. Like Mrazek, Gustavsson faces a favorable matchup against the league’s worst offense on paper. However, his leaky play inspires little confidence, especially if he allows an early Chicago goal. The young Gustavsson still has upside at just 24 years old. Playing for his third organization early in his career, he has yet to cement himself as a reliable everyday starter. If he can channel his play from last spring’s playoff series against St. Louis, he is capable of stealing games for Minnesota. But he must clean up his technical flaws and rebound control first.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: Minnesota Wild -196, Total Odds: 6
The oddsmakers see this as a tightly-contested matchup, with Minnesota just a -1.5 favorite on the puck line. The total is set at 6 goals, a reasonable expectation given Chicago’s struggles offensively and Minnesota’s defensive issues. There could be value backing the over at plus-money.
Chicago Blackhawks Betting Trends
The Blackhawks’ recent form shows a concerning trend, with a 2-8 SU in their last 10 games. Their struggle is more pronounced in games against the Wild and on the road, making this matchup an uphill battle. The trend of games going UNDER in total points could influence betting strategies, especially considering their offensive struggles.
Minnesota Wild Betting Trends
The Wild’s betting trends are a mixed bag. While they have an impressive record at home against the Blackhawks, their overall recent form (2-7 SU in their last 9 games) raises questions. The trend of OVER in total points in their home games suggests their ability to score, but also to concede, which might be a crucial factor for bettors.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Minnesota Wild 12/3/2023 Betting Picks
This matchup pits two struggling teams against each other. However, Minnesota’s home dominance of Chicago proven in the trends provides promising value backing the Wild. Minnesota goaltender Gustavsson should also benefit from facing the league’s worst offense. Back Minnesota on the puck line up to -1.5.
The total is intriguing at 6 goals. Minnesota’s defensive issues against a listless Chicago offense has the makings of a higher-scoring affair. This Elite Sports Selection recommends playing the over for plus-money value.
Free Pick and Prediction: Minnesota Wild 5, Chicago Blackhawks 2.