🏒 Wild vs. Avalanche Prediction & Odds | Game 2 NHL Picks for Today, May 5
Game 1 between the Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Wild certainly didn't disappoint. The teams combined for 15 goals as the Avs claimed the series opener 9-6. What do these squads have in store for an encore?
After that eye-opening matchup, my Wild vs. Avalanche Game 2 prediction targets the Over, alongside a game pick and my favorite Nathan MacKinnon player prop. Puck drop is set for 8 p.m. ET at Ball Arena in Denver (ESPN), with the Avalanche priced as a -205 betting favorite on home ice.
🏒 Wild vs. Avalanche picks & odds today: May 5
See all of our experts' NHL picks based on the latest NHL odds.
| 💰 Pick | ⚖️ Bet size (units) | 🧠 Why I bet this |
|---|---|---|
| Wild +1.5 (-140 via FanDuel) | 0.5u → 0.36u | Wild have covered +1.5 in four of their last five games vs. Avs. |
| Over 6.5 (-105 via FanDuel) | 1u → 0.95u | Goalies combined for 7.12 goals saved below expected in Game 1. |
| Nathan MacKinnon Over 1.5 points (-130 via DraftKings) | 0.5u → 0.39u | Tallied 2+ points in four of five games vs. Wild. |
Total wagered: 2 units | Max profit: 1.7 units
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🏆 Who will win Wild vs. Avalanche?
The Avalanche have controlled play against the Wild all season, with Colorado outshooting Minnesota in all five meetings.
Throwing out the circus that was Game 1, the Wild have covered +1.5 in four of their last five games versus the Avalanche. That's why I'm anticipating a one-goal victory for the Avs in Game 2, with a final score of 4-3.
Score prediction: Avalanche 4, Wild 3 (+3000)
💰 Wild vs. Avalanche prediction & best bet
Over 6.5 (-105)
We're unlikely to see a repeat of the 15-goal barn burner that took place in Game 1, but the offensive talent on both clubs was on full display. That should lead to plenty of Overs in this blockbuster playoff matchup. It was the third straight Over for each team.
As well as they played in the first round, I'm not sure goaltenders Scott Wedgewood and Jesper Wallstedt are built to stymie these two elite offenses. The pair combined for 7.12 goals saved below expected in Game 1, per MoneyPuck.
I made the mistake of backing the Under in the series opener based on the regular-season matchups. I won't make the same error again. The best sports betting sites are aligned at a 6.5 total, with the Over juiced to -105 at FanDuel.
🔥 Best Wild vs. Avalanche player prop bet
Nathan MacKinnon Over 1.5 points (-130)
Nathan MacKinnon is coming off a three-point performance in Game 1 after building on his dominance against the Wild. The reigning Hart Trophy winner has scored more points against Minnesota than any other opponent during his career, including tallying multiple points in four of five games versus the Wild this season.
With MacKinnon averaging a full shot on goal less in the playoffs than during the regular season, it makes more sense to target the Avs' superstar to notch 2+ points (-130 at DraftKings) than for him to score (-120).
🚀 Wild vs. Avalanche same-game parlay
I'm keeping this two-leg parlay simple: Over 6.5 and MacKinnon to finish with at least two points. I anticipate another high-scoring game, and if that's going to be the case, the league's No. 3 point-getter this season will be a big reason why.
Among the best sports betting apps, DraftKings offers +245 odds on this two-legger.
💵 Wild vs. Avalanche SGP picks
- Over 6.5 (-105)
- Nathan MacKinnon Over 1.5 points (-130)
Best odds: +245 via DraftKings (0.2u -> 0.49u)
💵 My betting record for NHL picks
All NHL picks, including SGPs, have been tracked since April 16.
| Bet type | Record | Net profit | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 12-10-2 | +0.55 units ✅ | 3.72% ✅ |
| Game picks | 7-4-1 | +1.52 units ✅ | 17.67% ✅ |
| Player props | 4-5 | -1.18 units ❌ | -26.82% ❌ |
| Parlays | 2-4-1 | +0.21 units ✅ | 11.67% ✅ |
💡 How I'm betting Wild vs. Avalanche
Follow all of our NHL analysis and expert predictions this season.
I'm betting a full unit on my favorite wager for Game 2: Over 6.5. I've been enjoying success betting game totals during the playoffs, and both starting goalies looked exposed during Game 1. I'm a bit less confident in my game pick, which is why I'm laying 0.5 units on the Wild to cover +1.5.
Bankroll management is crucial in sports betting, so be smart with yours.
📊 Live Wild vs. Avalanche odds: Game 2
The Avalanche are a -200 moneyline betting favorite for Game 2 after winning Game 1 as a -180 favorite. I expect that number to hold firm ahead of puck drop, and I wouldn't be surprised if we see the 6.5 total move to seven goals after the 15 combined scored in Game 1.
At the very least, I anticipate Over 6.5 to be the favored outcome sooner rather than later (the Under is currently favored slightly at -115).
📈 Wild vs. Avalanche betting trends
| Wild | Statistic | Avalanche |
|---|---|---|
| 4-3 | Playoff record | 5-0 |
| 46-24-12 | W-L record (regular season) | 55-16-11 |
| 43-46 | ATS record | 45-42 |
| 50-39 | O/U record | 35-52 |
🚑 Wild vs. Avalanche injuries
📺 How to watch Wild vs. Avalanche Game 2
- Date: Tuesday, May 5
- Puck drop: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Ball Arena (Denver)
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN
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