Free Picks: Minnesota Wild vs. Vegas Golden Knights

Vegas and Minnesota have made a name for themselves this season on defense. Two highly ranked defensive squads, we’ve seen the opposite come true when these teams face off head-to-head. Monday night, the Wild and Golden Knights add another chapter – one that I believe will see loads of scoring. Can we bank on Minnesota and Vegas to continue their high-scoring ways?

There are some heavyweights in the West Division. With teams like Colorado, Vegas and St. Louis holding the top three spots, Minnesota quietly looks on the outside of the division’s elite teams.

Monday night, the Wild will be put to the test when they take on the Vegas Golden Knights. Only 5 points separate Vegas and Minnesota, although the Golden Knights have a game in hand on Minnesota.

Vegas has been rolling as of late, winning 6 straight contests. As for Minnesota, the Wild were on a tremendous 6 game winning streak but have since lost 3 of their last 4 games.

The Wild and Golden Knights have met twice already this season. Both games were high-scoring, which is interesting considering the total goals over/under of 4.5 for this game.

Those earlier contests are an outlier for both clubs. Vegas and Minnesota are two strong, defensive teams. Both ranked in the top 10 for goals against, the Wild and Knights have been stellar on defense. For this free NHL pick and prediction, I want to focus on the total goals.

As mentioned, the total goals for this contest is 4.5. I think taking the over for this game is one of the best NHL bets you can make. Both teams are entering this game with a day of rest, so they should be well prepared for their March 8th match-up.

I have been burned from low total goals before, I’ll admit. However, with the firepower on Vegas and the resurgence of Minnesota’s offense, I believe we will see more than 5 goals in this contest.

Expect Marc-Andre Fleury and Cam Talbot to get the nod for their respective teams. Even with those two starting, I see a ton of goals happening. I love Vegas’ offense and Minnesota has been burying as of late.

• Vegas and Minnesota combine for 6.47 goals per game.
• The total has gone OVER in 5 straight games for the Wild.
• Minnesota are 14-8 in O/U this season.
• Vegas has scored 3 or more goals in 6 straight games.