At the onset of the regular season, the Vancouver Canucks were one of the great surprises of the NHL. Vancouver peaked on February 1 to stand at 30-18-4. But from there the Canucks went into a tailspin that may have cost them a playoff spot had the season continued through its entirety. Vancouver’s thin blue line was unable to prevent enemy offenses from lighting the lamp as the season progressed. As a result, they went 6-9-2 in their final stretch of games before play stopped. The Minnesota Wild went through an opposite type of season. After floundering for over four months, the Wild were forced to fire head coach Bruce Boudreau and replace him with assistant Dean Evason. Minnesota responded to Evason with eight wins in 12 games before the COVID-19 shutdown.
Western Conference Best of Five Preliminary Round Schedule and Odds
(7) Vancouver Canucks vs. (10) Minnesota Wild
NHL Betting Odds at Bookmaker.eu: Wild +107 vs. Canucks -123
Hub City Location: Rogers Place, Edmonton, Alberta
Sunday, August 2: 10:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN
Tuesday, August 4: 10:45 p.m. ET, USA Network
Thursday, August 6: TBD
Friday, August 7: TBD, (if necessary)
Sunday, August 9: TBD, (if necessary)
(7) Vancouver Canucks vs. (10) Minnesota Wild Wagering Odds Analysis
The NHL betting public and hockey community see this series as even. Minnesota had far greater momentum and form when the season was suspended. The Canucks are a slight chalk based on overall body of work and goaltender Jacob Markstrom. However, the Wild will attract their share of bargain hunters based on impressive results right before play stopped coupled with the Canucks long decline.
Vancouver Canucks Overview
Vancouver will enter this playoff series with a record of 36-27-6 which was good for seventh place in the Western Conference. The Canucks lost five of their last seven games before play suspended. NHL metrics have Vancouver ranked eighth for goals scored, fourth for the power play, 20th for goals against, and 16th for penalty killing.
Vancouver Canucks Key Players
Centers J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson led the Canucks. Miller has 27 goals, 45 assists, nine power play goals, 16 power play assists and a +11. Pettersson has 27 goals, 39 assists, eight power-play goals, 16 power play assists and a +16. Defenseman Quinn Hughes has eight goals, 45 assists, three power play goals, 22 power play assists, and a -10.
Vancouver Canucks Goaltending
Top goalie Jacob Markstrom was essential to the Canucks success. Markstrom was 23-16-4 with a 2.75 goals against average, .918 save percentage, and two shutouts.
Minnesota Wild Overview
Minnesota is 10th in the West with a record of 35-27-7. Many believe if the season played out the Wild would have ended up as the eighth seed at the worst. Minnesota has NHL metrics of 12th for goal scoring, 10th for the power play, 24th for goals against, and 25th for penalty killing. Dean Evason proved to be the fresh voice with new ideas that was needed behind the bench.
Minnesota Wild Key Players
Left wing Kevin Fiala has 23 goals, 31 assists, nine power play goals, nine power play assists with a -1. Defenseman Ryan Suter is a mainstay with eight goals, 40 assists, two power play goals, 16 power play assists, and a -6.
Minnesota Wild Goaltending
Number one goaltender Alex Stalock was 20-11-4 with a 2.67 goals against average, .910 save percentage, and four shutouts.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Minnesota Wild Free Picks
In this situation the Wild have the momentum and depth necessary to take the series. Vancouver played over their heads at the start of the season but were worn down and exposed as it progressed.
Canucks vs. Wild NHL Series Odds Best Bet: Minnesota Wild
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