Boston Bruins vs Minnesota Wild

Minnesota's defense is 11th in the NHL in goals allowed (2.83 per game) and sixth in save percentage (.909). They're on a 19-13-1 run UNDER the total with an offense that is 18th in scoring and 23rd on the power play. The Wild end a five-game trip after getting shutout at Ottawa. Boston's offense is 25th in scoring, 30th on the power play, and 21st in shooting percentage. Look for more defense than offense. Take Minnesota/Boston UNDER the total.

First-place Boston has lost three in a row. They still have enormous talent everywhere, ranked fifth in the NHL defensively in goals allowed (2.35 goals per game) and No. 1 in save percentage (.920). The Bruins are 37-6 after a non-conference game and 19-3 on the road in non-conference action. They're also 98-75 after a loss, plus 29-12 away from home against teams averaging 3+ goals per contest. Minnesota is 18th in goals allowed and 20th in save percentage (.900), while the offense is 20th in goals scored and 17th in shooting percentage. With Minnesota 6-13 after scoring 4 or more goals in two consecutive games, back the visitors. Play Boston.

A difficult matchup and situational spot for Minnesota. They're playing the second of a back-to-back after losing 4-3 at Pittsburgh last night while Boston is working on two days of rest. This is Minnesota's sixth road game over the last eight contests. The Wild is 4-12 in non-conference action, plus 2-10 on the road against teams averaging 2.85+ goals. They're also 4-12 when playing their second road game in two days. Boston is fourth in the NHL in goals allowed (2.52 per game) and No. 1 in save percentage (.924). The Bruins are 39-6 at home versus losing teams, 34-8 in non-conference action, and 18-4 after scoring one goal or fewer in the last game. Play Boston. 

Boston is dealing with injuries and is on a 2-3 run losing all three as a favorite. That included a 6-3 loss at Chicago as a whopping -450 chalk! The Bruins play their fourth consecutive road game and face a Minnesota team that is on an 11-3 run and working on two full days of rest. Minnesota is 38-17 at home versus teams that average 29.5+ shots on goal per game, plus 37-11 at home after a victory. The Wild is third in the NHL in goals surrendered (2.63 per game), Top 10 in shots on goal allowed, and fourth in save percentage (.918). Minnesota is 45-18 at home after a divisional game and 32-11 at home after two straight divisional contests, so back the home dog. Play Minnesota.