In Minnesota, the Wild will host the Calgary Flames in a game to determine Northwest Division. BetOnline.com has the Minnesota Wild -155 odd favorites against the Calgary Flames +135 with the over/under set at 5 goals.
The Flames have all but blown their chance of winning the Northwest Division title. Calgary has dropped three of four, including a 6-2 drubbing at the hands of the Canucks on Sunday. Netminder Miikka Kiprusoff was chased from the game after surrendering four goals on 13 shots. Although “Kipper” hasn't been his usual self this season, it's hard to blame him entirely for the collapse – he racked up a 2.10 goals against average and .923 save percentage in the previous three games but had just one win to show for it thanks to a lack of offensive support.
Minnesota, on the other hand, picked up its play toward the end of the season to pull away in the division. The Wild have won three straight, including Sunday's 3-2 overtime victory over Colorado. Stellar goaltending from Niklas Backstrom has helped the team out lately, but Minny has gotten some great contributions on the offensive end from Brian Rolston and Marion Gaborik. The duo has combined for four goals and nine points in their last three games. Both will play key roles in the playoffs for the Wild.
The Flames have dominated the season series, notching six wins in seven tries. Look for Kiprusoff to bounce back and Calgary to pick up the intensity. Get your Free NHL Pick in Now!
Calgary at Minnesota, Thursday @ 8:00 p.m. ET
Free NHL Pick: Calgary
It's not too late to get into the NHL betting action. Visit BetOnline.com's world-renowned sportsbook today, and don't forget to check out the new and improved Casino!
