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Blues vs. Wild Game 1 Odds and Prediction (Minnesota's Defense Pivotal in Central Division Series)

By Iain MacMillan

The Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues will face-off in the first round of the NHL Playoffs.
The Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues will face-off in the first round of the NHL Playoffs. / Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
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The St. Louis Blues and Minnesota Wild will kick-off what is set up to be the most exciting opening round playoff series in the Western Conference on Monday night.

The Wild edged out the Blues for home-ice advantage in the series, so tonight's opening game will take place in Minnesota. That shouldn't concern the Blues too much, considering they're 5-0 in their last five games against the Wild.

Here are the odds via WynnBET for tonight's Western Conference playoff action.

Blues vs. Wild Odds and Total

Moneyline;

  • Blues +120
  • Wild -140

Puck line:

  • Blues +1.5 (-200)
  • Wild -1.5 (+165)

Total:

  • 6 (Over -125/Under +105)

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Blues vs. Wild Betting Trends

  • The OVER is 4-1 in the Blues' last five games.
  • Blues are 12-3 in their last 15 games.
  • Blues are 5-0 in their last five games vs. Wild.
  • Wild are 14-2 in their last 16 home games.
  • The OVER is 7-1 in the last eight meetings between these teams.

Blues vs. Wild Prediction and Pick

The biggest advantage the Blues carry into this series is their shooting percentage. They've been first in shooting percentage throughout the entire NHL season, but that should get nullified tonight considering it's the Wild who are right behind them in second place.

Minnesota is a much better team when it comes to advanced analytics. For example, they're eighth in CORSI percentage over their last 25 games, compared to the Blues who are 23rd in that stat.

The Wild are also arguably the best defensive team in all of hockey, ranking first in both expected goals against and high danger scoring chances allowed over their last 25 games. The Blues rank 22nd and 11th in those two stats.

Sure, anything could happen, but I'm going to trust the numbers in this one and they clearly show that the Wild should walk away with the win.

Pick: Wild -140

You can track Iain's bets on Betstamp here.

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