The Colorado Avalanche (25-2-7) travel to St. Paul on Sunday to take on the Minnesota Wild (22-9-5) in an important Central Division matchup. Both of these teams have been rolling and look like Stanley Cup contenders. Make sure you are checking up on all the NHL action with our free NHL picks.
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Terms & Conditions Colorado on top of NHL
Colorado continues to post elite offensive numbers, averaging 4.0 goals per game while generating 34.6 shots per contest. Their ability to control play is evident in a strong +7.56 shot differential, allowing the Avalanche to dictate tempo and wear teams down over 60 minutes. Colorado has also been efficient, shooting 11.56% as a team.
Defensively, the Avalanche have been just as impressive. They allow only 2.21 goals per game, limit opponents to 27.0 shots, and hold teams to an 8.16% opponent shooting rate. Goaltending has been steady as well, with team goalies combining for a .918 save percentage.
Colorado is expected to start Scott Wedgewood, who has been excellent with a 15-1-4 record, 2.10 GAA, and .919 save percentage.
Big test for Wild
Minnesota continues to rely on structure, discipline, and strong goaltending to stay competitive. The Wild average 3.08 goals per game and generate 28.4 shots, preferring quality over quantity. Defensively, Minnesota allows 2.50 goals per game and owns a solid .916 team save percentage.
While the Wild are often outshot, they are comfortable playing without the puck and forcing opponents into lower-quality chances. That approach has worked especially well at home, where Minnesota excels at slowing games down and protecting the slot.
Expected to start at goalie is Jesper Wallstedt who has been outstanding, posting a 10-1-2 record, 1.95 GAA, .936 save percentage, and four shutouts.
Colorado vs Minnesota PredictionsColorado vs Minnesota Moneyline Pick: Minnesota Wild ML +140 (3 units)
At plus money, Minnesota offers strong value in this spot. Wallstedt’s elite form gives the Wild a clear goaltending edge, and his style is well-suited to counter Colorado’s high-volume shooting approach. Minnesota’s defensive structure is designed to slow fast teams down, and that matters against an Avalanche squad playing at a pace that can be difficult to sustain.
If Minnesota controls tempo and keeps this game at five-on-five, the Wild don’t need to match Colorado shot-for-shot to win. With the goaltending edge and home ice, Minnesota is live to pull the upset at this price.
Colorado vs Minnesota Total Pick:
This matchup sets up as a lower-scoring game. Both teams are strong defensively, combining to allow fewer than five goals per game, and both goalies are in excellent form. Minnesota’s low-event style naturally limits scoring chances, while Colorado does a good job suppressing quality looks.
With pace control, disciplined play, and two hot goalies in net, goals should be hard to come by. The under 6.0 goals is the right play in a game that should stay tight from start to finish.
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