Chicago Blackhawks vs. Minnesota Wild NHL Betting Picks – The Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota Wild face off on Sunday in a clash of Central Division rivals. The Blackhawks have struggled this season with a 7-15-0 record, last in the division, while the Wild are 7-10-4, sitting sixth in the division standings. This NHL daily picks piece will analyze the matchup and provide betting predictions.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Minnesota Wild
Date & Time: Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 2:00 PM ET
Location: Xcel Energy Center
TV: NHL
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Minnesota Wild Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Puckline | Total |
| Blackhawks | +155 | +1.5 (-120) | 6 over (-117) |
| Wild | -196 | -1.5 (-105) | 6 under (+103) |
Chicago Blackhawks Analysis
The Blackhawks offense has not delivered this season, averaging just 2.26 goals per game, 29th in the NHL. However, they do have some talented forwards. Rookie Connor Bedard leads the team with 11 goals while Jason Dickinson has been efficient with 7 goals on just 33 shots. Still, against Minnesota’s sturdy defense allowing 3.10 goals per game, the Blackhawks will likely struggle to generate chances.
On defense, Chicago allows 3.68 goals per game, fifth-worst in the league. Goaltender Petr Mrazek has disappointed with a 3.37 GAA and .900 save percentage. Considering Minnesota’s offense ranks 12th averaging 3.24 goals per game, led by the dynamic duo of Mats Zuccarello and Kirill Kaprizov, the Blackhawks defense and goaltending look overmatched in this matchup.
Minnesota Wild Analysis
The Wild offense has been steady, led by Zuccarello’s 23 points and Kaprizov’s 20 points. Joel Eriksson Ek is also contributing with 11 goals. However, scoring depth has been an issue at times. Still, this group should be able to take advantage of Chicago’s porous defense. The Blackhawks allow the most high-danger chances per 60 minutes at home, playing right into Minnesota’s strengths.
Defensively, the Wild are decent, backed by goalie Filip Gustavsson. He has struggled with a 3.46 GAA, but Minnesota only allows about 29 shots per game. While Chicago has some top-end forward talent, their depth issues should limit their scoring chances against the Wild defense.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Minnesota Wild Against the Spread
The Blackhawks are 2-8 in their last 10 games and 0-9 in their last 9 against Minnesota. They also are on a 5-game road losing streak when playing the Wild. With Chicago struggling mightily while Minnesota has won 5 straight home meetings in this series, the Wild have a clear edge.
Meanwhile, the under has hit in 4 of Chicago’s last 5 December games. The under is also 4-0-1 in their last 5 Sunday road contests. For Minnesota, the under has hit in 4 of their last 6 matchups with Chicago. However, the over is 7-2 at home for the Wild this season.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Minnesota Wild Free Picks
Based on the odds, trends, stats, and analysis, here are our picks:
Moneyline: Wild (-196)
The Wild are surging at home, winning 7 of 9 here this season. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks are sinking, especially against Minnesota. Ride the trends and back the Wild’s moneyline.
Spread: Wild -1.5 (-105)
Chicago is helpless on the road lately, going 0-5 straight up and against the spread (ATS) in their last 5 games in Minnesota. The Wild should roll at home. Lay the goal and a half with the Wild.
Total: 6 over (-117)
While unders have hit often in this series, Minnesota’s offense is clicking at home. Combine that with Chicago’s league-worst defense and we should see an uptempo, high-scoring affair. Bet the over.
Predicted Score: Minnesota Wild 5, Chicago Blackhawks 3
The Minnesota Wild have a significant edge at home in this matchup, winning five straight over the Chicago Blackhawks on home ice. Considering Chicago’s league-worst defense and road woes lately, expect Minnesota’s capable offense to have a field day. The Wild should control play and win handily, covering the puckline. This could be a high-event, back-and-forth contest as well, making the over on goals scored a strong play. Don’t hesitate to lay the -196 juice and back the surging Wild moneyline as part of any Canadian online betting. Minnesota has the talent edge at both ends of the ice to continue their home dominance over the hapless Blackhawks.
