It’s the old ‘value on both teams’ in the February 4th Blackhawks at Wild free pick. Chicago has been one of the hotter teams in the league over the last month going 7-4 since January 1st. The Wild have lost 8 of 12, but are always a threat at the xCel Energy Center where they are 14-7-4 on the year.
Oddsmakers have set Minnesota as -130 favorites on their own ice on Tuesday. There’s great value on Chicago at +105 and that’s the side a majority of bettors are backing early. Chicago scored a 5-3 win at the United Center on December 15th, and these two teams have been on different paths since.
Lots to Like About Chicago Here
The Blackhawks beat Minnesota 5-3 on December 15th to snap a 4-game losing streak. That game served as a kick start of sorts for Chicago as they’ve rattled off a 12-6 record since. Chicago has climbed out of the cellar in the Central to within 3 points of the 2nd wild card spot in the West.
It’s a tough test for Jeremy Colliton’s team in the February 4th Blackhawks at Wild free pick, having to go to St. Paul to get a win. Chicago has gone 4-0 their last four road games however and have been victorious in 8 of 9 away from the U.C. The ‘Hawks won 5 of 6 before the all-star break and continued their momentum with a 3-2 SO win over Arizona after a 10-day layoff.
Tuesday’s tilt just seems like a good matchup for Chicago. Patrick Kane had a hat trick in the December 15th meeting, his 49th points in 50 career games vs. the Wild. Jonathan Toews also had 3 assists in that meeting to stretch the Blackhawks’ win streak to 4 games in the series.
What’s the Minnesota Betting Angle Tuesday?
It seems like a very easy wager in the February 4th Blackhawks at Wild free pick to take Chicago. Does that make it a trap play? Minnesota doesn’t exactly exude confidence after being lit up 1-6 by Boston on Saturday in their first game back from the all-star break.
Can we blame Minnesota’s loss to the Bruins their last time out on rust? The Wild were on a bit of a run prior to the layoff, having won 3 of 4 and to some quality teams in Tampa Bay and Dallas (as well as Detroit). The Wild have waned a bit at home in the last two months, but the host has won in 5 of the last 6 head to head games between these two.
The Wild have been getting killed on the power play, giving up three short-handed scores to Boston last game. Luckily for Minnesota, Chicago has been one of the worst PP teams in the league over the last three years and have converted on just 15.6% of chances this season.
February 4th Blackhawks at Wild Free Pick
Do the teams both go with whoever started their last game out of the all-star break? Corey Crawford has won three straight and stopped 40 shots vs. Arizona. Robin Lehner has won 7 of his last 9 for Chicago though. Devan Dubnyk gave up 6 goals for Minnesota Saturday, the 2nd time he’s allowed 6+ in the last 3 starts. Backup Alex Stalock gave up 5 in his last start before the break though. Gotta go with Chicago to stay hot in the series here.
Pick: Chicago Blackhawks +112
