In this article we will formulate a Blackhawks vs Wild prediction for this NHL game on Sunday, January 26th at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup. 

Chicago Blackhawks Betting Preview

The Chicago Blackhawks are 15-28-5 this year after they lost to Tampa Bay in overtime by a score of 4-3 in their last game. Chicago led 3-1 in the second period, but they allowed the Lightning to tie the game in the third and ended up losing in overtime. The Blackhawks were outshot by a total of 40-14, won 46.5% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. Chicago got goals from Dach, Nazar, and Crevier, while Soderblom stopped 36 out of 40 shots in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Blackhawks lost to the Hurricanes by a score of 4-3, but did beat the Golden Knights by a score of 5-3 before that. Chicago has lost six of their last seven games and they are currently last in the Central standings with 35 points. Chicago has scored 2.60 goals per game and they have allowed 3.44 goals against per game, while also going 23.5% on the power play and 83.3% on the penalty kill this season. Connor Bedard has led Chicago with 13 goals, 29 assists, and 113 shots on goal, while Teuvo Teravainen has added 10 goals, 23 assists, and 70 shots on goal. Petr Mrazek is 9-16-2 with a 3.26 goals against average and an .896 save percentage this season. 

Minnesota Wild Betting Preview

The Minnesota Wild are 28-17-4 this season after they lost to Calgary by a score of 5-4 in their last game. Minnesota trailed 5-2 in the third period, but they nearly came back to tie the game late in the loss. The Wild were out shot by a total of 29-25, won 38.1% of the face-offs, and went 1-2 on the power play in the game. Minnesota got goals from Eriksson Ek, Foligno, Gaudreau, and Zuccarello, while Fleury stopped 24 out of 29 shots in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Wild lost to the Hockey Club by a score of 4-0, but did beat the Avalanche by a score of 3-1 before that. Minnesota has lost five of their last six games and they are currently third in the Central standings with 60 points. Minnesota has scored 2.88 goals per game and they have allowed 2.83 goals against per game, while also averaging 18.5% on the power play and 71.2% on the penalty kill this season. Kirill Kaprizov has led Minnesota with 23 goals, 28 assists, and 126 shots on goal, while Marco Rossi has added 17 goals, 26 assists, and 90 shots on goal. Filip Gustavsson is 18-10-3 with a 2.63 goals against average and a .913 save percentage this year. 

Why the Blackhawks will beat the Wild

• The underdogs have won each of the Wild’s last three games.
• The Wild have lost each of their last five night games against Western Conference opponents.
• The Blackhawks have covered the puck line in seven of their last eight night games at United Center against opponents on a losing streak.
• The Wild have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last five night games against Western Conference opponents.
• The Wild have lost the second period in each of their last five games against Central Division opponents.

Total Goals Facts

• Eight of the Wild’s last nine games at United Center following a home loss have gone UNDER the total goals line.
• Each of the Blackhawks’ last five home games have gone OVER the total goals line.
• Each of the last four games between teams from the same division have gone UNDER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Blackhawks’ last 10 home games.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in each of the Wild’s last six games as favorites against Central Division opponents.

Chicago Blackhawks Player Prop Facts

• Teuvo Teravainen has recorded at least one point in each of the Blackhawks’ last nine games against Western Conference opponents at United Center.
• Teuvo Teravainen has recorded at least one assist in each of the Blackhawks’ last seven games against Western Conference opponents at United Center.
• Connor Bedard has scored a goal in four of the Blackhawks’ last five games against Central Division opponents.

Minnesota Wild Player Prop Facts

• Kirill Kaprizov has scored at least one goal in four of his last five appearances with the Wild as road favorites.
• Kirill Kaprizov has recorded at least one point in each of his last 15 appearances with the Wild as road favorites.
• Joel Eriksson Ek has recorded an assist in each of his last six appearances after playing less than 20 minutes the previous day.

Blackhawks vs Wild Prediction 

Chicago comes into this matchup after a heart breaking loss to Tampa Bay in their last game and they have lost 12 of their last 15 games. The Blackhawks are 10-13-2 at home this year, while the Wild are 17-5-3 on the road. Minnesota is starting to get healthier, but they will be on a back to back after playing Calgary last night. The Wild have also struggled over the last two weeks, but a lot of that has to due with injuries. The Blackhawks do play their best hockey on home ice and with Minnesota on a back to back, I like Chicago to get the win here.