There comes a time in the season when teams on the outside of the playoff picture looking in start to see things slipping away from them. A deficit that once seemed manageable can quickly seem like a very tall mountain to climb with each passing game. The Minnesota Wild and the Philadelphia Flyers are still in the hunt for the playoffs, but they also both know that they have to start minimizing their losses as they head into the home stretch of the season. Given that both are on the outside looking in right now, this game takes on a higher level of importance. The Flyers in particular need this one, as they are currently 5 points back of the final spot, and are starting to drift towards a deficit that is tough to overcome. This should be an interesting one to watch, and you can get all your wagers with the latest NHL betting odds.

Minnesota Wild vs Philadelphia Flyers Pro Hockey Lines Analysis

When: Thursday, February 25 Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia at 7 PM EST TV: TVA Radio: KFXN and WPEN Live Stream: TVA Sports NHL Odds: TBA

Why bet on the Minnesota Wild

Shortly after the turn of the year, the Minnesota Wild (27-23-10) were sitting a very comfortable 11 games over .500 and looking like a shoe-in for the playoffs. The wheels came off pretty badly, though, and they went on a run that saw them win only 2 games in 15. They now find themselves 2 points back of the final Wild Card spot, but have shown some real signs of life with 4 wins from their last 5 games. It certainly helps that the offense is clicking again, with the Wild scoring 22 goals in that 5 game stretch, albeit against some rather iffy opposition. Minnesota have done just enough on the road to stay afloat, going 12-12-6 to this point in the season. The Wild are averaging 2.6 GPG, and are giving up 2.5 GPG.

Why bet on the Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers (26-22-11) are doing the best they can to stay afloat, but they are going to have to do more of they want to close that 5-point deficit between themselves and the final Wild Card spot. They only have 3 wins in their last 10 games, but at 3-4-3, are still managing to pick up points here and there in losses. More often than not, the Flyers are able to get points when playing on home ice, and have a 13-8-7 record to prove it. Philly have been particularly good against teams from the Central Division this season, going 7-3-0 so far, which includes a 4-3 OT win in Minnesota the last time these two hooked up. The Flyers are averaging 2.4 GPG, and are giving up 2.6 GPG.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

This is a game that is crucial for both teams, and you have to look at their current form to get an idea of where it may fall. The Wild are scoring goals on a regular basis right now, and that may put them over the top in this one.