Blackhawks vs Wild Odds and Picks – Prediction for Friday Night Hockey

• The Minnesota Wild host the rapidly fading Chicago Blackhawks in Friday NHL action
• The Wild have won three straight while Chicago rides a dismal five-game losing streak
• Read on for all the odds and trends ahead of Friday’s matchup at Xcel Energy Center

Two teams heading in opposite directions clash, as the Minnesota Wild play host to the freefalling Chicago Blackhawks in Friday NHL action. The Wild look to further close the gap on the top of the Central Division standings after extending their current home win streak to six games with Wednesday’s 4-1 win over Detroit, while the Blackhawks aim to rebound from Thursday’s 4-1 loss in Vegas that marked their 13th defeat in 14 outings.

Start time is set for 8:00 pm ET at Xcel Energy Center, with all the action televised on HULU.

The Wild get set to hit the ice for Friday’s contest perched as heavy -420 favorites in the NHL odds, while the Blackhawks lag as +320 underdogs, and the total is pegged at 6.0.

Blackhawks vs Wild Odds

Odds as of December 16th at Caesars Sportsbook. Get the Caesars promo code for Friday night hockey. 

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Blackhawks vs Wild Recent History

Friday night’s matchup marks the second of four scheduled meetings between these Central Division rivals. The Wild have dominated in head-to-head action, taking six straight from Chicago, and five of six on home ice.

With the Blackhawks scoring just 10 total goals during their six-game slide against Minnesota, the UNDER holds a slight 3-2-1 edge in totals betting. The Blackhawks have also struggled when playing the back half of games on back-to-back nights, losing five of six overall and getting shut out in their past two.

Chicago Blackhawks Betting Outlook

Hopes of a turnaround in Chicago remain dim in the wake of Thursday’s 4-1 loss to the Golden Knights. The Blackhawks have now lost five straight, potting just five total goals over that stretch, and little help appears to be in sight. Chicago shooters have mustered an average of just 24.1 shots on goals over the past eight games, and have been outshot by an average margin of 9.5 shots per game over that stretch.

Dietz: Long losing streak is clearly taking its toll on Toews, Blackhawks: After yet another loss Tuesday, Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews showed how a long losing stretch can weigh on a player. A… https://t.co/XH0AifxzoI #SarahSellsHomes #Edgebrook #Dreamtown pic.twitter.com/dpYw9T9jbn

— Sarah Melaniphy (@sarahmelaniphy) December 14, 2022

The search for positives provides few results. The top-scoring trio of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Max Domi have combined to produce just four total points over the past five games. However, Tyler Raddysh has provided some spark, picking up a point in three straight outings, and in six of his past nine appearances.

Few can blame goaltender Arvid Soderblom for the team’s extended swoon. Soderblom has stood tall at times with little support, and has allowed just three goals per game over his past four starts. However, after getting the start on Thursday, Soderblom is expected to turn over crease duties to Petr Mrazek, who was rocked for seven goals on 30 shots in Tuesday’s 7-3 loss to Washington.

Minnesota Wild Betting Outlook

The Wild appear to have overcome their recent defensive struggles during their current 3-0-0 run. After surrendering 4.14 goals per game during a preceding 4-3-0 run, the Wild have shut down opposing shooters during their current surge, surrendering just two total goals. Unlike in Chicago, Wild netminders have had plenty of support. Minnesota surrendered just 17 shots on goal in Wednesday’s 4-1 victory over the Red Wings, and 38 total over the first two games of their current four-game home stand.

https://twitter.com/AlexMicheletti/status/1603209771422826497?s=20&t=t7zbM2EB2FBzJNfawAmlqA

The club’s renewed attention to defensive responsibilities has provided a boost to Marc-Andre Fleury. Expected to get the start in the Minnesota net on Friday, Fleury faced 21 shots while backstopping the team to a 2-1 win over Edmonton on Monday night, halting a worrisome six-game stretch, during which he allowed four or more goals on four occasions.

Up front, journeyman forward Frederick Gaudreau is enjoying a good week. Gaudreau has scored three times over the past two games to snap a five-game pointless run. Top liner Mats Zuccarello continues to lead the way, compiling three goals and seven assists during an eight-game point streak, and has also turned in multi-point performances in three of his past five appearances against Chicago.

Blackhawks vs Wild Prediction

Now mired in a dismal 3-15-4 run, and set to play their third game in four nights, it is tough seeing the Blackhawks putting up much resistance against a Wild squad that has considerably tightened up their defense, and are getting offensive contributions from their supporting cast. Look for the Blackhawks to strengthen their grip on last place overall with another demoralizing defeat.

The Picks: Wild -1.5 (-145); UNDER 6.0 (-110)