The Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Wild will meet in the third game of the NHL season on Monday (October 17).
The Wild are searching for their first win of the season as they welcome the reigning Stanley Cup champs to town. They were beaten by the Rangers in their opener and lost a 7-6 on Saturday to the LA Kings. They have one more home game after this outing before they start a long road trip.
The Avalanche, meanwhile, opened their campaign at home and picked up a win on ring night. They then traveled to Calgary, where they lost 5-3. Tonight, they will try to pick up their second win before going back home.
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Colorado Avalanche vs Minnesota Wild Match Details
Fixture: Colorado Avalanche vs. Minnesota Wild
Date and Time: Monday, October 17; 8:00 pm EST
Venue: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN
Colorado Avalanche vs Minnesota Wild Betting Odds
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Colorado Avalanche vs Minnesota Wild Best Pick
Nathan MacKinnon has been on a tear this season. He's regarded as a top-five player in the league, but he wants to establish himself as number one. He has four points in two games. McKinnon is clear of Austin Matthews, who has two points in three games but is chasing Connor McDavid, who has five points - four goals in two games.
MacKinnon has much better talent around him than McDavid, so he should have just as many scoring opportunities, but he's racking up assists instead of goals. McDavid finds a way to score no matter the situation, which is what makes him a better player. Nevertheless, MacKinnon will look to chase him down.
Nathan MacKinnon Anytime Goal Score (+138)
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Colorado Avalanche vs Minnesota Wild Prediction
Minnesota put up a fight on Saturday against the Kings. So it's difficult to predict if that's the kind of energy they will have against the reigning champions or if they will be gassed, giving the Avalanche a chance to blow them out.
The Wild is not exceptionally talented, so bettors should have minimal expectations of them this season. The Avalanche must start the season strong to let the league know they're playing for back-to-back titles. Bettors should expect a beatdown of Minnesota tonight.
Colorado -1.5 (+205)