Vancouver Canucks (19-9-1) vs. Minnesota Wild (10-12-4)
Canucks vs. Wild 12/16/23 – As the NHL regular season heats up, an intriguing matchup will take place this Saturday between Vancouver Canucks and Minnesota Wild. The Canucks boasting a 19-9-1 record have displayed remarkable resilience and skill so far this year; on the other hand, Minnesota Wild with 10-12-4 record are looking to turn their fortunes around in this crucial contest at Xcel Energy Center. Fans and bettors alike anticipate an action-packed battle and searching for best NHL free picks.
The Canucks have been firing on all cylinders thanks to their deep and talented group of forwards. Led by the dynamic trio of J.T. Miller, Elias Pettersson, and Elias Pettersson, Vancouver boasts impressive scoring depth. They take on a Wild defense that has struggled this year, ranked 21st in goals against. Minnesota will have their hands full trying to contain this tenacious Canucks attack.
The Wild counter with Mats Zuccarello and Kirill Kaprizov anchoring their attack. Zuccarello’s 28 points and Kaprizov’s 24 points lead the squad. However, the Canucks defense allows the third fewest goals against per game at 2.48 behind Thatcher Demko’s strong play in net. Quinn Hughes leads the blueliners with 9 goals and 39 points.
Canucks vs. Wild 12/16/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 2:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Xcel Energy Center |
| TV: | NHL |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Thatcher Demko vs. Goaltender Filip Gustavsson
Thatcher Demko has been a steady and reliable presence for the Canucks this season. With a 2.42 GAA and .918 save percentage, he gives Vancouver a chance to win every night. Going up against a middling Minnesota offense, Demko should be poised to deliver another strong outing. The Wild may struggle to solve Demko’s smothering hybrid style.
For the Wild, Filip Gustavsson has battled inconsistency in his first year as their starter. His 3.05 GAA is rather high, and his .900 save percentage indicates he allows more goals than ideal. Against a Vancouver team firing on all cylinders, Saturday could prove to be a long day for Gustavsson if he doesn’t bring his A-game. The Canucks forwards should be licking their chops at the prospect of facing Gustavsson’s unconvincing glove hand.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game are currently TBD, but given the Canucks’ stronger record, they are likely to be the favorites. The total odds will be an interesting aspect to watch, especially considering the offensive strengths of both teams.
Vancouver Canucks Betting Trends
The Canucks have excelled against the spread recently, covering in five straight games. They also play quite well on the road, covering the puck line in nine of their 15 away contests this year. With Vancouver scoring a healthy 3.52 goals per game over their last 10 outings, they should have little issue getting over the total today as well against Minnesota’s porous defense.
Minnesota Wild Betting Trends
While the Wild have struggled to just one win over their last five contests, they have gone .500 ATS over that span with two covers. They also play well on home ice, covering in nine of their 15 home tilts this season. However, with Minnesota netting just 2.64 goals per game at home this year, they could fall short of today’s generous total. Their offense has lacked firepower outside of Kaprizov.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Minnesota Wild 12/16/2023 Betting Picks
Considering the analysis and betting trends, the Canucks seem to have the upper hand in this matchup. Their robust offense, coupled with Demko’s solid goaltending, gives them an edge over the Wild. However, the unpredictable nature of the Wild’s offense could lead to a closer game than expected.
In terms of betting, the Canucks might be the safer pick, but the Wild could offer value, especially if the odds favor a significant underdog scenario. Prop bets on individual player performances, especially for the Canucks’ top scorers, could be interesting. The over/under will depend on the total odds, but given both teams’ trends, a bet on the OVER might be worth considering. In conclusion, while the Canucks are favored, the Wild’s potential for an upset should not be underestimated, making this game an intriguing one for bettors seeking premium tips today.
Free Pick and Prediction: Vancouver Canucks 4, Minnesota Wild 2