How To Bet the Minnesota vs Toronto Hockey Odds

There are a few different ways to win in the NHL, with explosive offense and stifling defense being just two of the options available. It’s fair to say that the teams who can get the job done defensively are the ones best equipped to make a deep run in the playoffs, but there also has to be a little bit of balance in order to win it all. The Minnesota Wild have created a nice little balance between offense and defense, but unfortunately, they sit in the middle of the pack in both stats. That said, it has been good enough to take them into the Wild Card spot in the Western Conference, but it’s a slim lead that could very well disappear if they cannot maintain that balance. They have, what looks to be, a pretty easy match-up on the road against the Maple Leafs, but Toronto may be out to play the role of the spoiler in the final weeks of the regular season. You can wager on this one by heading over to the NHL online betting page.

How To Bet the Minnesota Wild vs Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Odds

When: Thursday, March 3 at 7:30 PM EST Where: Air Canada Centre, Toronto TV: FSN and RSNONT Radio: KFXN and CHUM Live Stream: NHL Stream NHL Odds: TBA    

Why bet on the Minnesota Wild

The Wild (29-25-10) have the unfortunate task of playing in the Central Division, which is arguably the most talented in the NHL. The one benefit of being in that division is that the possibility of 5 teams making the playoffs is very high. They are currently in a dogfight with the division rival Colorado Avalanche for the final Wild Card spot, with both teams 8 points ahead of the nearest challenger. In order to fend off the Avs, Minnesota need to find ways to win against lesser opponents like the Leafs. They have certainly managed to do that against Toronto over the years, as they have picked up the win the last 4 times they have faced them. The Wild are 6-4-0 in their last 10, and should be favorites to get another win here. Minnesota are averaging 2.7 GPG, and are giving up 2.5 GPG.

Why bet on the Toronto Maple Leafs

I, like many other NHL fans, do not have a lot of love for the Toronto Maple Leafs (21-30-10), but I will also admit that it’s a little sad to have seen them fallen so far in recent years. The NHL needs their bigger franchises to be good, as that is good for the game as a whole. The Leafs are certainly heading in the right direction given the changes made in the front office, but it’s going to be a slow process that requires patience. The season has gone just as most expected it would for Toronto, but that does not mean they are an easy team to take out. They tend to keep things tight, which might suggest a low scoring game in this one. The Leafs are averaging 2.3 GPG, and are giving up 2.9 GPG.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

The Minnesota Wild have won each of their last 4 meetings against the Leafs, but they have come by those wins in rather low-scoring fashion. I expect more of the same on Thursday night.

Minnesota Wild 3 Toronto Maple Leafs 1